Saudi Arabia Upholds Human Rights Reflecting Its Core Principles And Leadership Vision

Dr. Hala bint Mazyed Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission (HRC), affirmed Saudi Arabia's dedication to achieving top international standards in human rights protection and promotion. She highlighted that this commitment stems from the nation's core principles and values, with leadership prioritising human welfare.

Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Dr. Al-Tuwaijri led Saudi Arabia's delegation during a session to adopt the fourth cycle results of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. She emphasised the Kingdom's extensive cooperation with this review mechanism, which is vital for enhancing global human rights.

Dr. Al-Tuwaijri stressed that collaboration between states on human rights should be based on equality, dialogue, cooperation, neutrality, objectivity, and transparency. She noted that Saudi Arabia accepted over 80% of recommendations from the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, showcasing its genuine dedication to human rights.

During an interactive dialogue, Dr. Al-Tuwaijri detailed significant reforms and advancements in human rights within Saudi Arabia. She mentioned that more than 150 legislative, institutional, judicial, and procedural reforms have been implemented since adopting Saudi Vision 2030.

She further explained that these reforms continued even amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This persistence underscores Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to improving human rights despite difficult circumstances.

Human Rights as Part of National Vision

Dr. Al-Tuwaijri underscored that Saudi Arabia's commitment to human rights is deeply rooted in its national vision. Human rights are integral to its authentic values and culture, reflected in its laws and practices.

"Human rights are an essential part of our national vision," she said. "They are embedded in our values and culture." This statement highlights how deeply ingrained these principles are within the Kingdom's framework.

The session at the UN Human Rights Council served as a platform for Saudi Arabia to demonstrate its progress and ongoing efforts in upholding human rights standards globally.

By accepting a significant portion of international recommendations and implementing numerous reforms, Saudi Arabia continues to show its dedication to advancing human rights both domestically and internationally.

With inputs from SPA