Kingdom returns four Yemeni children

HAJJAH, Feb. 05 (Saba) - Saudi authorities have returned four Yemeni children aged
12-15, who illegally entered Saudi Arabia, to the border area of Haradh in the
province of Hajjah.

Security forces in the area confirmed they had received the children.

The children have been sent to a temporary child protection center in Haradh with
their parents summoned for investigation.

In relation to child illegal immigration into the kingdom, security forces in Haradh
seized a 14-year old boy while he was trying to cross Saudi lands. The boy came from
Taiz province.

Child smuggling phenomenon declined in the last year in Hajjah province with few
cases controlled.

In early 2008, the Saudi border security burnt 18 Yemeni immigrants who tried to
illegally enter Saudi Arabia to search for jobs.

Escaping as they realized the Saudi border security had seen them, the immigrants
hid in a hole but the security chased them. They poured diesel on them and then set
fire.

Domestic human rights organizations have recently renewed calls for brining the
perpetrators to justice.

Last month, Saudi border authorities announced they were considering new measures to
monitor Saudi borders with neighboring countries.

The Saudi border security will use modern devices to control the borders including
modern cameras and planes.

The announcement was made despite early statements by the authorities that illegal
immigration to Saudi Arabia has declined remarkably.

FR