Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sportswashing’ and the Ongoing Repression of Women’s Rights CategoriesCountry Profile

Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sportswashing’ and the Ongoing Repression of Women’s Rights

In a remarkable display of sports diplomacy, Riyadh is hosting the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals, heralded as the “crown jewel” of women’s tennis for 2024. The tournament is touted as a major breakthrough for women’s sport in the Kingdom, marking the first professional women’s tennis event held in Saudi Arabia as part of a […]

Human Rights Concerns Mount Over Saudi Arabia's Bid to Host the 2034 FIFA World Cup CategoriesAdvocacy

Human Rights Concerns Mount Over Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Host the 2034 FIFA World Cup

As FIFA prepares for a critical vote on December 11 regarding the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia stands as the sole bidder. However, human rights organizations are raising alarm over the potential consequences of awarding the tournament to the Gulf kingdom. Amid fears of migrant worker exploitation, severe restrictions on […]

Celebrity Endorsement of UAE Tourism Amid Human Rights Concerns Faces Criticism CategoriesStatements

Celebrity Endorsement of UAE Tourism Amid Human Rights Concerns Faces Criticism

The Washington Centre for Human Rights is deeply concerned by the recent actions of Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, who starred in an advertisement promoting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a desirable tourism destination. Hemsworth, known for his role in the Thor franchise, appeared alongside his wife, Elsa Pataky, in a slick, glossy promotional video […]

The Line project A futuristic vision or a human rights violation CategoriesAdvocacy

The Line project: A futuristic vision or a human rights violation?

The Line project in Saudi Arabia has drawn serious opposition. It is a planned 100-mile-long city that has received criticism because of its bad impact on workers’ health and nearby communities. Even though it is promoted as a futuristic, sustainable city, troubling reports have emerged about harsh labor practices and forced displacements.  Reports have explored […]

Neom Project: Is Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 worth the human cost? CategoriesAdvocacy

Neom Project: Is Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 worth the human cost?

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s key focus is the Nowadya Neom City project. His Vision 2030 ‌aims to modernize Saudi Arabia. This outstanding urban development is intended to transform the nation. However, due to unsafe working conditions, it has faced criticism. Many reports and documentaries explore alarming details about this situation.  According to the […]