Human Rights Report of Saudi Arabia 2024

Quick Facts on Iran Human Rights 2024:

1. Human Rights Violations
2. Freedom of Speech
3. Women’s Rights
4. Migrant Workers’ Treatment
5. Judicial Practices & Capital Punishment

Examining human rights violations in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and concerns

Throughout the year, there were multiple instances of human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, including extrajudicial murders and other arbitrary or illegal killings carried out by the government or its agents. Although death penalties for heresy, “sorcery,” and adultery were uncommon and typically lowered on appeal, the legislation allowed the death penalty for some nonviolent crimes. Authorities carried out several executions for acts relating to nonviolent terrorism, which were likewise punishable by the death penalty.

Freedom of speech and expression

The horrific atrocities occurring in Yemen’s civil conflict, particularly the blockades led by Saudi Arabia, are of great concern to the European Center for Democracy and Human Rights (ECDHR). The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has referred to the civil conflict, which started in late 2014, as the “worst humanitarian crisis.” Since March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition has been utilizing torture, airstrikes, and blockades to provide humanitarian aid. Saudi Arabia’s human rights in Yemen have suffered as a result of this unwarranted military involvement, making this a serious situation that has to be resolved right away. If you espouse radical ideologies or are a terrorist, Salman bin Abdulaziz is terrible. He has implemented a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism and extremism and has imprisoned numerous extremist religious leaders in Saudi Arabia.

Women’s rights and gender equality

Under the male guardianship system, Saudi women experience human rights violations of systematic discrimination, are subjected to domestic violence, and have few options when abused. As a result, some women attempt risky escapes from the country. A Saudi woman’s life is governed by a man from the time of her birth till her passing under the male guardianship system. A male guardian, usually a husband or father but sometimes a brother or even a son, is required for every Saudi woman. This guardian has the authority to make many important choices on her behalf. In essence, women are treated as permanent legal juveniles by the Saudi government. Saudi domestic violence is still the biggest obstacle to women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, and the country has done very little to eradicate it. Apart from jobs deemed suited to their nature,’ like construction or rubbish collection, women can work in most occupations. Sadly, just about 22% of Saudi women work and make, on average, 56% of what males do. Women make up 1.27 percent of senior-level posts in the Kingdom.

Treatment of migrant workers

Several reliable accounts of enforced disappearances conducted by or on behalf of government officials were available. Such acts were not prevented, investigated, or punished by the government. Saudi Arabia’s civil rights violations released a statement urging the government to put an end to the pervasive and increasingly common practice of enforced disappearances, which is part of the authorities’ severe suppression of peaceful dissent and is frequently used in conjunction with torture because the practice is not criminalized. The statute made slavery in Saudi Arabia in charge of criminal investigations accountable for any misuse. of power and outlawed torture formally. According to authorities’ and judges’ interpretations of Sharia law, judges were not allowed to accept confessions that were taken under duress, and the law stipulated that public investigators were not allowed to employ coercion to sway the evidence of accused individuals. Expat life in Saudi Arabia under security force impunity was still a major issue. The Public Prosecutor’s Office, which answered to the king, was in charge of looking into the legitimacy of security force activities and bringing charges. 

Judicial practices and capital punishment

The administration kept an eye on public opinion gatherings and employed legal restrictions to stifle freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia and prevent citizens from publicly criticizing the government. Apostasy and blasphemy were prohibited by law and were punishable by death, albeit there were no recent cases of these crimes being executed. Saudi Arabia has applied the death sentence, an egregious and cruel punishment, to individuals for a variety of offenses, such as political dissent and drug-related charges, after egregiously unfair trials. To avoid using the death penalty, the authorities must immediately halt executions and mandate that death row inmates be given new trials that comply with international norms. 

Addressing Human Rights Challenges in Saudi Arabia

In conclusion, both domestic and foreign players must work together to solve human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. Significant obstacles still exist, especially concerning freedom of expression, judicial transparency, and the treatment of marginalized groups, despite the nation’s advances in areas like women’s rights and economic reforms.

Takeaways of Saudi Arabia Human Rights Report 2024

• Ongoing extrajudicial killings and arbitrary executions, including for nonviolent terrorism offenses.
• Severe restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, with government suppression of dissent.
• Women continue to face systemic discrimination under the male guardianship system, with limited rights and opportunities.
• Widespread abuse and exploitation of migrant workers, including enforced disappearances and lack of accountability for security forces.
• Unfair trials and the continued use of the death penalty for various offenses, including political dissent and drug-related charges.
• Limited progress on addressing human rights violations despite international calls for reform.