Human Lives Human Rights: Announcement of Saudi Arabia’s upcoming leadership role in the UN’s gender equality forum has stirred controversy, given ongoing concerns regarding the kingdom’s treatment of women’s rights. The decision was revealed during the annual gathering of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
The Commission, tasked with advancing women’s rights and gender equality, places significant importance on the chair’s commitment to these principles. However, Saudi Arabia’s track record in this regard has drawn sharp criticism, highlighting a stark contrast between the commission’s goals and the reality faced by women and girls within the kingdom.
The UN Charter underscores the central role of respecting human rights within the organization’s mission. Assuming leadership roles in UN human rights bodies entails a heightened responsibility to uphold these principles, both globally and domestically.
Despite Saudi Arabia’s enactment of the 2022 Personal Status Law, promoted by authorities as a step towards progress and equality, concerns persist over its reinforcement of gender-based discrimination in various aspects of family life.
While Saudi Arabia’s appointment to lead the Commission may signify recognition, critics argue that tangible actions are needed to demonstrate a genuine commitment to women’s rights. This includes abolishing the male guardianship system and repealing discriminatory laws, along with ceasing the suppression of freedom of expression and releasing unjustly detained advocates.
Within Saudi Arabia, women’s rights defenders continue to face persecution, with prominent activists subjected to travel bans and other restrictions on their freedom of expression. Some have received lengthy prison sentences for expressing their opinions on social media. Notably, Manahel al-Otaibi currently faces trial in Saudi Arabia’s notorious counter-terrorism court for advocating women’s rights and posting a photo on Snapchat without wearing an abaya, a traditional cloak.
