Saudi’s human rights abuses criticized at UN review

Saudi Arabia came under fire over human rights abuses days after refusing a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Diplomats at a UN review of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record criticized the country for its continued use of the death penalty and discrimination against women. Women are still required to seek permission from male relatives to do basic things such as leave the country. Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission head Bandar bin Mohammad al-Aiban said the country has made progress since the first review in 2009, citing how women now hold 20% of seats on the Shura Council, an advisory body that can propose law changes to the king. But human rights activists disagreed, with some saying Saudi Arabia’s promises to the UN are “nothing but hot air.” The latest reviews comes just over 3 weeks before Saudi Arabia’s bid to secure a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.

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