HRC - Policies and Strategies

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HRC Strategies

The strategic plan of the Human Rights Commission (HRC) constitutes a road map that can help it to achieve its mission and objectives and perform its tasks. This plan can be carried out by setting a clear vision from which a number of strategic and sub-objectives emanate, supported by realistic initiatives that translate these objectives and perceptions into a tangible reality that meets its ambitions and aspirations.

HRC’s strategic plan was launched on the basis of its role and identity as a national human rights entity that seeks to achieve the goal for which it was established, namely the protection and promotion of human rights in accordance with international human rights standards in all fields, as well as raising awareness of these rights and ensuring their application in all fields according to the provisions of Sharia (Islamic law).

A set of pillars were taken into account upon preparing HRC’s strategic plan. These pillars represent normative foundations for formulating HRC’s vision, mission, objectives and initiatives. Most importantly is the draft National Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. It has been closely observed that the goals, programs and initiatives of this National Plan coincided and integrated with HRC’s strategic plan in order to address the main challenges with programs and initiatives. In addition, integration with the objectives, programs and initiatives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 was taken into account, particularly Saudi Vision’s emphasis on a number of human rights, such as the right to security, health and work; the rights of women, children, people with disabilities and the elderly; the right to development; the promotion of engagement in public life; and other economic, social and cultural rights.

The strategic plan was also drafted on the basis of a number of legal foundations, foremost of which is the Basic Law of Governance, the Kingdom's laws related to human rights and its obligations under the human rights conventions to which it is a party, and HRC’s competencies stipulated in its Statute. The principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights of 1993 (Paris Principles) were used as reference documents upon drafting the plan. These principles represent the optimal international standard for national human rights institutions, as they aim to formulate strategic dimensions and objectives to ensure activation of HRC’s role and achieve the objectives of the Paris Principles.

Upon drafting the strategic plan, HRC’s institutional structure, the current situation and pressing strategic issues were taken into account. The process also included benchmarking against similar international bodies. The principle of integration and flexibility among HRC’s strategic plan objectives was also taken into account in order to benefit from previous achievements, and to accommodate development and change of future goals and initiatives. Work on these tasks was launched by reviewing and updating HRC’s strategic plan (1433H-1437H). A performance gap-analysis was conducted by diagnosing the current situation, taking into account the developments and reforms achieved in the human rights field in the Kingdom, and the change in current strategic issues.

The strategic plan will be the main reference in building the implementation plan, namely the stage immediately following the approval of the strategic plan. The implementation plan will include initiatives, programs, and performance indicators, as well as the financial and administrative resources required to carry out the initiatives and programs. This will be presented in a separate document following the approval of HRC’s strategic plan.

Human Rights Commission Strategic Initiatives and Saudi Vision 2030

Developing Capabilities and Institutional Infrastructure (Digital Transformation Strategy)

Through this initiative, the Human Rights Commission seeks to enhance the capabilities of its staff by developing the professional skills required to perform their duties effectively and professionally. The Commission's institutional infrastructure is a cornerstone for achieving digital transformation that keeps pace with evolving developments. It provides a flexible, well-structured framework that ensures the alignment of operations with the digital landscape in pursuit of its strategic objectives. This contributes to enhancing operational efficiency and improving the beneficiary experience, while also enabling system integration, facilitating data exchange, strengthening cybersecurity, and ensuring the optimal use of digital resources. This is in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 and its executive programmes, foremost among which is the Human Capacity Development Programme.

Enhancing Quality and Institutional Excellence (Beneficiary Experience Strategy)

The Human Rights Commission has placed enhancing performance efficiency and developing the beneficiary experience among its top priorities. The Commission has adopted an approach centred on developing advanced strategies through the use of innovative tools and standards and activating interactive communication channels to achieve a qualitative shift in the level of services provided and raise beneficiary satisfaction to the highest levels. This is in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life and improve the efficiency of government performance.

Developing Institutional Capacities in Human Rights (Training Programmes in Various Human Rights Fields)

The Human Rights Commission is committed to developing institutional capacities across various human rights fields through collaboration with human rights experts from United Nations organisations and entities. These training programmes are designed for the Commission's staff as well as staff of other relevant government entities with mandates related to human rights. In this regard, the Human Rights Commission relies on carefully developed plans that reflect its vision and strategic objectives and are aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and its executive programmes.

Developing Institutional Capacities in Human Rights (Needs-Based Capacity Building in Various Specialised Human Rights Fields)

The Human Rights Commission places great importance on developing institutional capacities and building specialised competencies, thereby enhancing knowledge and expertise across various human rights fields, improving performance in the promotion and protection of human rights, and contributing to the achievement of the Commission’s objectives in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

HRC Policies