Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Mohammad Bin Salman has always violated human rights such as through crackdowns on activists, migrant worker abuses, and huge death penalty cases. Despite its controversial record in human rights, the nation has become the chair of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. This means that the global summit on gender equality on March 21, will be held under the leadership of Saudi Arabia. People across the world find this selection shocking and unbelievable.
The executive director of UN Watch and human rights activists, Hillel Neuer, strongly opposed the selection of Saudi Arabia. According to him, “This is surreal. Appointing Saudi Arabia to head the world’s leading body for women’s rights is like putting Dracula in charge of a blood bank.” Women’s rights discussion under the leadership of Saudi Arabia is highly questionable.
Saudi Arabia has had a poor record of human rights violations for a long time. This includes restrictions on freedom of expression, violence against migrants, etc. Critics argue that gender equality discussions under the leadership of such countries damage the credibility of the United Nations Commission on Women.
The supporters of Saudi Arabia take this appointment as a push for reform. They encouraged Saudi Arabia and said it is a great opportunity for the nation to improve women’s rights. So, some see it as a chance to progress while others fear that this will not have any real impact.
However, the appointment of Saudi Arabia raises many questions about the effectiveness of the event.
According to Neuer, now Saudi Arabia plays a key role in shaping the commission’s decisions and agenda. He said that despite minor reforms the women still face discrimination under the leadership of Mohammad Bin Salman. The strict male guardianship system which became official law three years ago, in Saudi Arabia breaks many women’s rights.
One of the major issues in Saudi Arabia is the Personal Status Law. Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman called this law a “quantum leap forward.” Neuru stated that the law keeps many discriminatory rules in family matters instead of focusing on improving women’s rights. It limits women’s freedom and dominates male in women’s lives.
This system compels women to take permission from males for major discussions. So women dont have the right to make decisions independently such as marriage, travel, and legal matters. Critics believe that all of these restrictions keep women in prison. The system favors male authority and treats women unequally.
In addition to these issues, Saudi Arabia claims to be making strides toward reform; however, activists argue that this progress is slow and largely superficial. The legal system’s view of women as dependents rather than individuals with full rights and freedoms indicates that true gender equality is still a long way off.
Critics believe that EU countries and democratic nation should break their silence and raise their voices against the selection of Saudi Arabia as the chair. This appointment is the wrong decision and a way of insulting Saudi women who are under severe oppression. This appointment disrespects the struggle to maintain a good human rights record across the world.
The commission was founded in 1946 and is the first time in its history that Saudi Arabia has become the chair.
Saudi Arabia was selected as the leader after the vote of a 45-member commission on March 27, 2024. The selection was the only option as the leadership role switches between different world regions, and the Asia-Pacific group, which Saudi Arabia is part of, fully supported it.
Human rights advocates across the world see this decision as a hindrance to the progress of human rights efforts. Due to the nation’s strict laws that limit women’s rights, Saudi Arabia’s selection sends a contradictory message.