Human rights abuses are a serious issue in many parts of the world, and the Middle East is no exception. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are two countries that have been criticized for their poor human rights records. In recent years, international organizations and foreign governments have played an increasingly important role in addressing these abuses and holding these countries accountable. This article will explore the ways in which international organizations and foreign governments are working to address human rights abuses in KSA and UAE, and provide examples of their efforts.
International Organizations
There are a number of international organizations that are working to promote human rights and hold countries accountable for human rights abuses. The United Nations is one of the most prominent of these organizations, and has been active in the Middle East for many years. The UN has several mechanisms in place to address human rights abuses, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Human Rights Council (HRC), and various treaty bodies that monitor compliance with international human rights treaties.
In recent years, the UN has been particularly active in addressing human rights abuses in KSA and UAE. In 2019, the OHCHR published a report on the situation in KSA, which documented a wide range of human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The report called on KSA to take immediate steps to address these abuses, and urged the international community to hold KSA accountable for its actions.
Similarly, the HRC has been active in addressing human rights abuses in UAE. In 2018, the HRC published a report on the situation in UAE, which documented a range of human rights abuses, including restrictions on freedom of expression and association, and discrimination against women and migrant workers. The report called on UAE to take immediate steps to address these abuses, and urged the international community to hold UAE accountable for its actions.
Foreign Governments
In addition to international organizations, foreign governments also play an important role in addressing human rights abuses in KSA and UAE. Many countries have diplomatic relations with KSA and UAE, and have a responsibility to raise concerns about human rights abuses with these countries.
One country that has been particularly active in addressing human rights abuses in KSA is the United States. In recent years, the US has been critical of KSA’s human rights record, particularly in the wake of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Following Khashoggi’s murder, the US imposed sanctions on several high-ranking KSA officials, and called for an investigation into the incident.
Similarly, the European Union (EU) has been active in addressing human rights abuses in UAE. In 2019, the EU adopted a resolution calling on UAE to respect human rights and take steps to address abuses, particularly in relation to freedom of expression and assembly. The resolution also called for the release of political prisoners and the protection of the rights of migrant workers.
In conclusion, international organizations and foreign governments play a crucial role in addressing human rights abuses in KSA and UAE. The human rights situation in both countries remains deeply concerning, with ongoing violations and a lack of accountability for perpetrators. The Washington Center for Human Rights and other human rights organizations have been working tirelessly to advocate for justice and accountability for victims of human rights abuses in these countries.
It is essential for the international community to continue to put pressure on the KSA and UAE to end these violations and to hold those responsible accountable. International organizations such as the UN, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and others play a critical role in documenting human rights abuses, raising awareness, and advocating for change. Likewise, foreign governments can use their diplomatic and economic leverage to put pressure on these countries to address human rights violations.
The United States and other countries have an important role to play in supporting human rights defenders and promoting human rights in the KSA and UAE. The US government should prioritize human rights issues in its foreign policy and use its economic and diplomatic leverage to hold these countries accountable for human rights abuses. Congress should also use its oversight role to ensure that the US government is promoting human rights in these countries.
The Washington Center for Human Rights will continue to advocate for justice and accountability for victims of human rights abuses in the KSA and UAE. We urge the international community to join us in calling for an end to human rights violations in these countries and for those responsible to be held accountable. Together, we can work towards a world where human rights are respected and protected for all.