Human Rights First Society
| Founded | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ibrahim al-Mugaiteeb |
| Purpose | Human rights advocacy |
| Location | |
| Method | "All peaceful means" |
| Website |
hrfssaudiarabia |
hrfssaudiarabia
The Human Rights First Society (HRFS, Arabic: جمعية حقوق الإنسان أولا) is a non-governmental and non-profit organisation which seeks to promote human rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the few independent groups in Saudi Arabia monitoring human rights, along with the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association, the Society for Development and Change and the Association for the Protection and Defense of Women's Rights in Saudi Arabia. The HRFS was initiated as an organisation dedicated to protecting and defending human rights in Saudi Arabia according to Islamic teachings. The HRFS stands for applying the rule of law, freedoms of expression and association, and abolishing all discrimination in Saudi society on the basis of gender or religious beliefs.
In 2002, the Human Rights First Society (HRFS) was created and led by Ibrahim al-Mugaiteeb whom applied to the Saudi government for legal recognition of the group. However, the application was denied. Although the HRFS was not granted governmental status, As of 2009[update], it remained unrecognised, but was allowed by the government to exist informally.
The Saudi Basic Law does not address freedom of association, and the government strictly limited this right in practice. The government prohibited the establishment of political parties or any group it considered as opposing the regime or challenging the King’s authority. All associations must therefore be licensed and comply with its rules and regulations. The HRFS have had no response to their request for a governmental license, however, they have continued to pursue their purpose. As the group is formally 'unlicensed', it remains unclear which group activities are permitted and which could draw punishment from the government. Furthermore, without a license the group may not raise any operating funds which consequently limits its activities. Despite this, now in 2016, the HRFS continues to operate independently as a non-government organisation and is still recognised by governmental organisations.
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