The 16th report of the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) for the year 2019 showed an expansion in detention orders compared with previous years, and an increased number of persons in administrative detention.

The centre’s reports aim at monitoring the human rights situation and progress in the Kingdom, as well as, identifying the gaps and flaws in a scientific and objective way, according to the report.

The report which was issued during a press conference on Monday, showed a rise in the number of complaints concerning alleged torture, degrading treatment and punishments, whether in initial detention facilities or reform and rehabilitation centres.

The report covered various civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the rights of the most vulnerable, where 2019 witnessed "favourable developments” with regard to women’s rights.

The NCHR in its report highlighted the government’s efforts in facilitating the issuance of legislations that support women, including Personal Statue Law and other laws amending both Labour and Social Security codes.

The NCHR report highlighted some shortcomings in the field of healthcare, where some sectors continue not being covered by health insurance, despite the fact that most subsequent governments called for implementing comprehensive healthcare.

The 2019 report referred to the lower level of health services at government health centres, in addition to the high cost and the poor availability of essential medication, as well as, overcrowding.

Available information also referred to "the ever-widening gap” between the quality of public and private healthcare systems, in addition to expressing concern about declining levels of education in the public sector, the unserviceability of and the lack of drinking water in some schools.

The report showed continued negative attitudes regarding workers’ rights, noting that labourers still suffer from several problems, particularly those related to wages, decent living conditions, adequate housing, abuse and health and social insurance, despite the centre’s repeated recommendations emphasising the need for radical solutions for the protection of labourer’s rights.

As for the rights of persons with disabilities, some developments have taken place, such as the issuance of the modified system of the vehicle tax exemption system for people with disabilities, the issuance of directives on the licensing of early-intervention centres for children with disabilities.

The report contains statistical analysis of complaints and requests for assistance received by the centre during 2019, classified according to each human right category.