CategoriesStatements

WCHR: Human Rights Violations in Sodan Must be stopped

The 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 […]

WCHR An Urgent Call to End Human Rights Violations in Afghanistan CategoriesStatements

WCHR: An Urgent Call to End Human Rights Violations in Afghanistan

The 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 […]

Saudi Arabia's Hosting of WTA Finals Raises Concerns Amid Human Rights Criticism CategoriesBriefs

Saudi Arabia’s Hosting of WTA Finals Raises Concerns Amid Human Rights Criticism

Riyadh, 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 […]

Human Rights Groups Urge FIFA to Block Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Bid CategoriesBriefs

Human Rights Groups Urge FIFA to Block Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Bid

Human 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 […]

The Harsh Reality of Women's Rights Under Sharia Law in Saudi Arabia and Beyond CategoriesCountry Profile

The Harsh Reality of Women’s Rights Under Sharia Law in Saudi Arabia and Beyond

In 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 […]

Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sportswashing’ and the Ongoing Repression of Women’s Rights CategoriesCountry Profile

Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sportswashing’ and the Ongoing Repression of Women’s Rights

In 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 […]

Human Rights Concerns Mount Over Saudi Arabia's Bid to Host the 2034 FIFA World Cup CategoriesAdvocacy

Human Rights Concerns Mount Over Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Host the 2034 FIFA World Cup

As 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 […]

Celebrity Endorsement of UAE Tourism Amid Human Rights Concerns Faces Criticism CategoriesStatements

Celebrity Endorsement of UAE Tourism Amid Human Rights Concerns Faces Criticism

The 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 […]

The Line project A futuristic vision or a human rights violation CategoriesAdvocacy

The Line project: A futuristic vision or a human rights violation?

The 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 […]

Neom Project: Is Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 worth the human cost? CategoriesAdvocacy

Neom Project: Is Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 worth the human cost?

Saudi 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 […]

Exploring the real motives of Saudi Arabia behind football investment CategoriesAdvocacy

Exploring the real motives of Saudi Arabia behind football investment

Saudi 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 […]

Carrefour faces scrutiny Analyzing the migrant condition in Saudi Arabia CategoriesAdvocacy

Carrefour faces scrutiny: Analyzing the migrant condition in Saudi Arabia

Recently, 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 […]

Relief and reality The complex lives of Bangladeshi migrants in the UAE CategoriesAdvocacy

Relief and reality: The complex lives of Bangladeshi migrants in the UAE

Recently 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 […]

Sportswashing and human rights Players oppose the FIFA partnership with Saudi Arabia CategoriesCountry Profile

Sportswashing and human rights: Players oppose the FIFA partnership with Saudi Arabia

More 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.  […]

A call for change Understanding the Saudi Government's assault on women’s rights CategoriesAdvocacy

A call for change: Understanding the Saudi Government’s assault on women’s rights

A Saudi fitness trainer and influencer, Manahel al-Otaibi, was assaulted in prison after being jailed in January. The question is, what crime did she commit? She supports women’s rights online. In response to this support, the Saudi government sentences her to 100 years in prison for the offence of “terrorist” in a secret trial. This […]

Human trafficking Why were the charges against the Saudi princess dismissed CategoriesCountry Profile

Human trafficking: Why were the charges against the Saudi princess dismissed?

Recently, the charges against Saudi princess Meshael Alayban of human trafficking were dismissed. The charges were related to holding a Kenyan servant like a virtual prisoner in her California home. The servant also claimed that the princess forced her to work 16 hours per day, seven days a week without any holiday. Furthermore, the payment […]

Analyzing Saudi Arabia's economic interests in Egypt Power play or genuine support CategoriesAdvocacy

Analyzing Saudi Arabia’s economic interests in Egypt: Power play or genuine support?

Egypt’s cabinet said last week ‌Saudi is decided to invest in Egypt’s financial markets. This huge investment, of approximately $5 billion will boost the market. It is important to know why Saudi Arabia took this action. What is their motive behind it? The UAE also invested in Egypt’s market before Saudi Arabia, which was $35 […]

Shifting priorities Analyzing the UAE's move from security to economic interests CategoriesCountry Profile

Shifting priorities: Analyzing the UAE’s move from security to economic interests

On September 23, President Muhammad bin Zayed al-Nahyan visited Washington. This tour of the president highlights the ongoing efforts of the United Arab Emirates to maintain its global influence. This trip points out the deeper issues of the relationship between these two nations, the US and the UAE. The UAE is famous due to its […]

Saudi Arabia's commitment to combat human trafficking Actions vs. rhetoric CategoriesCountry Profile

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combat human trafficking: Actions vs. rhetoric

Many officials in Saudi Arabia are committed to fighting against human trafficking and enforcing labour laws. But at a closer look, these efforts feel more like a surface-level declaration than a genuine action. 30 July was the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This day is also observed globally by the United Nations.  On this […]