In a resolute declaration at the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Period Review (UPR) in Geneva, Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission (HRC), emphasized Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to achieving the highest global standards in the promotion and protection of human rights. This commitment, she underscored, is intricately woven into the fabric of the nation’s Vision 2030.
During her address, Al-Tuwaijri accentuated the paramount importance the Saudi government places on the UPR mechanism, underscoring its sincere dedication to the cause. She highlighted the Kingdom’s consistent efforts in submitting national reports and establishing effective monitoring mechanisms for the implementation of recommendations, with a strong emphasis on stakeholder involvement and high-level delegation participation.
Notably, Saudi Arabia has fervently supported and implemented a significant majority of recommendations from the three preceding review cycles, boasting an impressive 85% implementation rate out of a total of 450 recommendations.
In alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030, Al-Tuwaijri pointed to substantial and qualitative reforms across various human rights dimensions during the reporting period. These reforms, she asserted, adhere to international standards on the right to development and are rooted in the principle that human beings should be at the core, subject, and beneficiaries of development.
The HRC chief highlighted the comprehensiveness of these reforms, spanning legislative, judicial, executive, and procedural realms, addressing a spectrum of human rights and associated issues. She emphasized the Kingdom’s resilience in implementing over 100 reforms, even in the face of challenging circumstances such as the global pandemic.
Al-Tuwaijri specifically noted the establishment of a robust legal and institutional framework for human rights promotion and protection, coupled with concerted efforts to ensure compliance with regional and international human rights standards.
In the domain of women’s rights, Al-Tuwaijri spotlighted the implementation of more than 50 reforms, with a particular emphasis on combatting violence against women and girls. She highlighted the amendment of the Law of Protection from Abuse on March 9, 2022, as a significant milestone.
Turning attention to children’s rights, Al-Tuwaijri outlined Saudi Arabia’s commitment through initiatives such as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Cyber World Protection initiative launched in 2020 and the National Family Strategy. These efforts encompass 39 initiatives aimed at promoting and safeguarding the rights of children.
The Vision 2030, according to Al-Tuwaijri, has not only contributed to improving the Kingdom’s work environment, making it attractive and competitive with a human rights-centric approach but has also made education compulsory for children aged six to 15. She highlighted the Human Capability Development Program, designed to provide a comprehensive educational journey.
