GENEVA: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has said the Kingdom is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights at all levels and it is keen to cooperate with international organizations in this regard. Speaking at the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, the foreign minister called for the protection of the basic human rights of the Palestinians and condemned the gross violations of rights and abuses committed against Rohingya Muslims. He called on the UN and other rights organizations to take effective measures to address these issues. Condemning all forces promoting the ideology of hatred, Prince Faisal highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in fighting extremism and terrorism. He also called on the international community to pay close attention to some media platforms that are spreading hatred and promoting deviant ideas in the garb of freedom of expression and putting the security of states and communities at risk. The foreign minister stressed the need to respect other cultures and religions to ensure a culture of tolerance around the world. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm position on Yemen and its support to its people and its legitimate government against the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists. Prince Faisal called for a political solution to the Yemen issue. He urged the international community and civil society organizations to play their due roles in the resolution of the Yemen issue in the greater interest of its people.HIGHLIGHT The international community should pay close attention to some media platforms that are spreading hatred. The foreign minister also highlighted the Kingdom’s role in resolving disputes between countries, especially in the region. He lamented that some countries in the region are bent on destabilizing the Middle East by interfering in other countries’ internal matters and forging divisions. Prince Faisal also highlighted several revolutionary steps the Kingdom has taken to ensure women’s empowerment and to protect human rights. Since the announcement of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has introduced several laws to strengthen the legal framework for the protection of rights, he said. Prince Faisal pointed out that the Kingdom will preside over the works of the Group of Twenty (G20) Summit 2020 under the slogan “Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All,” adding that “the group will focus on three key aims: Empowering People through creating the conditions in which all people — particularly women and youth — can live, work and thrive; safeguarding the planet through fostering collective efforts to safeguard our global commons; shaping new frontiers by adopting long-term and bold strategies to utilize and share the benefits of innovation.”