Saudi Arabia’s human rights progress earns global praise

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia recently submitted its fourth universal periodic report on human rights to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva during its 45th session.

The Kingdom’s opening statement, highlighting advancements between 2018 and 2023, received widespread acclaim from UN member states.
This progress is credited to Saudi Arabia’s 2030 developmental plan, leading to transformative initiatives and legislative amendments that have positively impacted human rights, including quality of life, women’s empowerment, child protection and educational development.
The Universal Periodic Review is a key mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council, conducted every four years to assess member states’ implementation of human rights obligations. It offers participating states a platform to showcase actions taken to enhance human rights and address challenges.
The review session before the Human Rights Council witnessed an international welcome for the results of the Kingdom’s report.
The US commended the Kingdom’s efforts in economic modernization and societal development, while the UK praised advancements in women’s rights and opportunities since the last review. Legal and social reforms aligned with Vision 2030 significantly empowered women, increasing their participation in the labor market. Belgium specifically highlighted the Kingdom’s progress in women’s rights.
Argentina welcomed the Saudi delegation, expressing gratitude for the report and acknowledgment of progress in combating human trafficking and child labor. Austria followed, thanking the Saudi delegation and praising efforts to implement recommendations since the last review.
Ukraine appreciated the Saudi report, commending the Kingdom’s commitment to the review mechanism and support for international efforts to implement the peace formula in Ukraine.
China commended the Kingdom’s commitment to the review, praising its human rights efforts. Croatia valued Vision 2030’s legislative reforms, particularly in addressing child labor, protecting children from neglect and combating workplace discrimination. France congratulated the Kingdom’s delegation on significant progress in human rights efforts.
Cyprus expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s presentation and achievements, particularly in women’s rights and conditions for domestic workers. Germany commended the Kingdom’s tireless efforts to enhance women’s rights, followed by Finland praising its commitment to the review and progress in women’s rights. Italy appreciated the submission of the national report, acknowledging important strides in women’s rights and measures to improve the rights of foreign workers.
Iran commended the national report, its responses, and the positive enactment of the family law. It urged the Kingdom to align practices with this law and acknowledged the new job mobility service initiative, safeguarding the rights of foreign workers.
Ireland appreciated the efforts to enhance educational opportunities for girls and women. It encouraged continued efforts for gender equality. Japan welcomed the Kingdom’s progress since the last review, especially in promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, including improved access to the labor market.
The Netherlands praised the national report and the economic, social and legal reforms under Vision 2030, particularly notable steps in women’s empowerment. Russia welcomed the Kingdom’s efforts in implementing recommendations from the third cycle of the review, developing national legislation for human rights, including promoting women’s participation in work, achieving gender pay equality, and combating discrimination and hatred.
Mexico appreciated human rights reforms, such as the Travel Documents Law and the Civil Status Law. Portugal praised Vision 2030’s legislative reforms for women and workers, expressing gratitude for the national report. Spain commended progress in labor law reform and women’s empowerment, expanding their access to various fields. Sweden noted efforts to promote disability rights, and appreciated progress in economic and social rights, especially for women and girls.