Washington Center For Human Rights
From DC to the World
CategoriesAdvocacyArguably the most well-known political prisoner in the Arab world is Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a computer programmer and activist who was imprisoned for distributing false information and jeopardizing national security. He became well-known for his activism and writing on opposing authoritarianism, and he played a significant role in the 2011 revolution in Egypt that toppled […]
CategoriesAdvocacyJordan’s Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud recently met and discussed various topics. The central focus of the meeting was to boost security cooperation. However, the Saudi nation’s role in regional security is questionable. In the meeting, Saudi officials talked about fighting drug smuggling and strengthening border control. However, the […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileThe execution number in Saudi Arabia is increasing day by day. In 2024, the nation has executed more than 198 people. This figure is instantly increasing from previous years. However, the government has promised to lessen the use of the death penalty. But don’t fulfill it and increase the cases of the death penalty. Most […]
CategoriesAdvocacyAlthough Islam serves as a common thread among Muslims worldwide, its application and interpretation differ greatly depending on political, cultural, and historical circumstances. Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan have quite different views on Islam, which are a reflection of their respective paths toward conservatism, modernization, and fundamentalism. Under Taliban control, Afghanistan adheres to a strong and […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileHuman Rights Watch claimed in a study today that the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has enabled and profited from violations of human rights. “The Man Who Bought the World: Rights Abuses,” a 95-page report According to a study “Linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Its Chairman, Mohammad bin […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileIn a few months, Saudi Arabia is expected to secure the 2034 FIFA World Cup since they are the only bidder. The country’s treatment of LGBTQ people is very worrying. Despite these concerns, the nation is continuously ignoring it, similar to what Qatar did for the 2022 World Cup. This indicates that the nation is […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileIn today’s modern age, artificial intelligence is growing very fast. Many nations, including Saudi Arabia, plan to use AI to boost its economy. With its decision of KSA, there are many concerns raised about its true impact. Artificial intelligence provides an advantage to many large corporations. With it, growing businesses can analyze consumer behavior and […]
CategoriesAdvocacyAl-Muqawama al-Islamiya fi Bilad al-Haramain, also known as the Islamic Resistance in the Land of the Two Mosques, or MIBH is a new front group that has claimed responsibility for drone attacks against Israel in recent weeks. Given that Saudi Arabia is home to two of the holiest mosques in Islam, al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights expresses deep concern over the widespread and persistent issue of human trafficking, particularly its impact on vulnerable populations such as women and children. The case of Morena, a survivor of horrific exploitation, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive action to address contemporary forms of slavery that trap millions of […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights expresses grave concern over Saudi Arabia’s failure to adequately address women’s rights issues despite international scrutiny. The most recent review by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) highlighted numerous violations of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, with critical recommendations for reform that the government […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights expresses deep concern regarding the ongoing human rights violations associated with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious NEOM project. NEOM, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is marketed as a futuristic urban area powered by renewable energy. However, the reality of this project is marked by severe abuses, including […]
CategoriesBriefsOne of the main topics of the yearly forum on digital public policy is improving human rights in the digital age. The event will be held on December 15–19, 2024. The groups pointed out that Saudi Arabia was lying by hosting the event while still doing things like locking people up, disappearing by force, and […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileSince the start of 2024, Saudi Arabia has executed over 100 foreigners, according to Agence France Presse (AFP). A human rights organization said that the number, which is based on official announcements, sets a new record. A Yemeni national was put to death on Saturday after being convicted of narcotics smuggling, according to the Saudi […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileOn August 21, 2024, the representative of the Taliban, Badruddin, officially presented himself for the first time in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is crucial because he is the second diplomat to be recognized by another nation. Earlier this year, China accepted their envoy. China organized the grand ceremony as compared to the United Arab Emirates. […]
CategoriesAdvocacyThe Wall Street article draws attention to the grave worries over the Neom megacity project management in Saudi Arabia. This $500 billion project is expected to be quite large. It is around 33 times larger than New York City. Numerous city-related characteristics will be included in this project. Among other ambitious plans were a 170 […]
CategoriesAdvocacyIn the second quarter of 2024, Saudi Arabia’s unemployment rate dropped to 33.1%. This small 0.2% decrease from the previous quarter highlights how slowly the nation is making progress. Saudi Arabia is known as one of the wealthy nations; despite this fact, the nation fails to create job opportunities for its citizens. Even though the […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileBack to 6 years ago, when Saudi Arabia attempted a clear attack on free speech. The nation killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The United States shed light on the details of this murder, expressing that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman was behind this murder. He approved the killing plan of a journalist. Still, much of […]
CategoriesAdvocacySaudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and US Secretary Antony Blinken met privately recently. In this meeting, the Saudi Prince admitted that the Arab government, including Saudi Arabia, didn’t support Palestine. This statement highlights the dual behavior of Saudi nations. The country is more focused on its interests than helping the needy Palestinians. On the […]
CategoriesAdvocacySaudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has bought 40% of Selfridges, a famous British department store chain. Previously, this stake was owned by Austria’s Signa Group. In 2021, this group purchased Selfridges with the collaboration of Thailand’s Central Group for £4 billion. However, due to the increasing financial crisis, Signa faced many complexities and became […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileA positive outlook for the future of the Middle East was introduced by the Abraham Accords. Initiating formal diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries, these normalization agreements were signed in 2020 to promote peace and economic collaboration in ways that many people believed were unthinkable during our time. It appeared as though the […]
CategoriesBriefsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights expresses deep concerns regarding the growing misuse of cybercrime laws in the Arab region to restrict fundamental freedoms and suppress free expression. These laws, while intended to combat cybercrime, have increasingly been leveraged by authoritarian governments to stifle dissent and silence critics under the guise of national security and […]
CategoriesAdvocacyOn November 5, former President Donald Trump regained the White House in a landslide victory over his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Global watchers are closely examining the outcomes, with US allies, partners, and enemies making predictions about the future strategic course of the Trump administration. There seems to be general agreement that Trump’s […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the recent findings regarding the use of French-manufactured military systems on armored personnel carriers (APCs) that are currently being deployed in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. These systems, which include the Galix defense system, were found to be in use by the Rapid Support Forces […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileSaudi Arabia’s possibly joining the United Nations Human Rights Council is upsetting campaigners. According to them, including Saudi Arabia in the UNHR is unfair to victims of abuse. Under the leadership of Mohammad Bin Salman, this nation executed more than 200 people in 2024. The government is making efforts to show that they are […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) condemned all atrocities against Palestinians, including the murder of tens of thousands of people in the Gaza Strip, most of which were women and children. Recently, at least hundreds of Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers were killed by Saudi Arabian authorities at the Yemen-Saudi border; these killings may qualify […]
CategoriesAdvocacyRecently, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met in Cairo. The conversation highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to increase its influence in Egypt. These two nations have been close for many years, and now Saudi Arabia seeks to expand its control in the region. During this conversation, two agreements […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileSaudi Arabia is trying to improve the image of its significant project named Neom. For this purpose, the nation is relying on the media but has failed to convince the people. Neom area, having a cost of $1.5 trillion, is developed under the leadership of Mohammad Bin Salman, on the Red Sea coast. The project […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre of Human Rights firmly condemns the persistent human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, where restrictions on freedoms and unjust treatment of citizens continue to harm and marginalize countless individuals. These actions are in violation of both Saudi Arabian national law and international human rights commitments. According to the Saudi Basic Law of […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights strongly condemns the escalating human rights violations occurring in Sudan, as reports of targeted attacks on civilians, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly continue to emerge. These acts not only contravene Sudan’s own constitutional guarantees for the protection of human rights but also violate several […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre of Human Rights stands in unequivocal condemnation of the ongoing human rights violations in Afghanistan. The widespread abuses targeting fundamental freedoms and the dignity of Afghan citizens contravene both national and international human rights standards, which every state is obligated to uphold. Under Afghanistan’s own Constitution, notably Articles 22 and 23, there […]
CategoriesBriefsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights expresses deep concerns regarding the ongoing process to select Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. It condemns the lack of adequate human rights protections in the current bidding process and urges FIFA to halt the approval of Saudi Arabia’s bid unless major reforms are […]
CategoriesBriefsRiyadh, Saudi Arabia — In a moment of sporting glamour, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals kicked off in Riyadh on Saturday night, marking the latest in Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push to redefine its image through high-profile sports events. The prestigious event, which featured top tennis players like Coco Gauff and Zheng Qinwen, was broadcast […]
CategoriesBriefsHuman rights organizations are urging FIFA to halt its decision to award Saudi Arabia the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup, citing significant concerns over the country’s human rights record. The call comes as FIFA prepares for an extraordinary Congress on December 11, where national football associations will vote on the sole bid submitted […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileIn several countries governed by Sharia law, the lives of women are marked by systemic oppression, restrictions on personal freedoms, and denial of basic human rights. While the interpretation and implementation of Sharia law may vary across nations, its impact on women remains predominantly negative in many regions. Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Afghanistan represent stark […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileIn 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 […]
CategoriesAdvocacyAs 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 […]
CategoriesAdvocacyThe potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency has sparked mixed reactions globally, but for many Arab regimes, particularly in the Gulf, it may be seen as a welcomed shift in US foreign policy. Trump’s approach to foreign relations during his first term, notably with Saudi Arabia and other Arab monarchies, made him […]
CategoriesBriefsThe Washington Center for Human Rights hosted an event on human rights violations in Sudan and war crimes supported by the UAE. The event was organized in the U.S. Congress. The focus of the event was to discuss the armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, along with their allied […]
CategoriesAdvocacyOne of the highly rewarding events for six ATP players is the Six Kings Slam. In this event, each one receives $1.5 million just for appearing. The names of the participants were Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev. However, the winner will earn a massive amount, of approximately […]
CategoriesAdvocacyCarlos Alcaraz recently competed at the Six King Slam event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is one of the top young tennis players who publicly thanked Turki Alalshikh. Turki Alalshikh is the head of the General Entertainment Authority and a close advisor to the Saudi royal family. Carlos Alcaraz praised him for efficiently organizing the […]
CategoriesStatementsThe 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 […]
CategoriesAdvocacyThe 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 […]
CategoriesAdvocacySaudi 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 […]
CategoriesAdvocacySaudi Arabia is increasing its interest and presence in English football. This expanding involvement of the nation raises concerns about its real goals. In October 2023, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) spent a lot of money to purchase Newcastle United. The amount was approximately £300 million. According to critics, this investment was not just […]
CategoriesAdvocacyRecently, a report was released criticizing the large French supermarket in Saudi Arabia, Carrefour. According to the report, these agencies gave false information to the workers and misled them. They forced laborers to work for long hours, refused to give holidays, and were not paid fairly according to their hard work. Furthermore, they lived in […]
CategoriesAdvocacyRecently 57 Bangladeshi migrants were given harsh punishment, like prison sentences in the UAE for attempting peaceful protests. Now the decision to pardon them is a great relief. This announcement is a successful achievement for the chief adviser. Also, this resulted in a strong trade relationship with the United Arab Emirates. During the year of […]
CategoriesAdvocacyThe top priority of FIFA is always money. Due to this reason, the fight becomes more complicated, especially for women and LGBTQ+ rights. The struggle has now turned into the form of a battle between wealthy Gulf nations and the increasing success of women in sports. Women’s strong power has marked their name in the […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileMore than 100 female footballers do not want Saudi Arabia to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. For this purpose, they have signed a letter asking FIFA to end its sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco. The players claimed that Saudi Arabia is involved in serious human rights violations, particularly against women. […]
CategoriesAdvocacyThe United Nations has requested Sudan’s military government to send international forces to save the lives of civilians in the ongoing war. But they refused to accept this request. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and army both have violated the human rights of many innocent civilians, Stated the United Nations. Back in 2023, when the […]
CategoriesAdvocacyA recent report highlights the facts about Aramco, a company owned by the Saudi government. This company is the biggest spender on sports sponsorship in the faucet fuel industry, with $1.3 billion in deals. Saudi Arabia, a nation that prioritizes its interests, is using it to improve its image on the global stage and ignores […]