UN human rights experts are urging Saudi Arabia to “immediately and unconditionally” release all women human rights defenders, including six imprisoned on charges relating to their peaceful defence of human rights.
UN human rights experts are urging Saudi Arabia to “immediately and unconditionally” release all women human rights defenders, including six imprisoned on charges relating to their peaceful defence of human rights.
The detained have been charged for being involved in pro-democracy demonstrations, and previously campaigning for the right of women to vote and drive. In late June, a long-standing ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia, was lifted by royal decree.
The group of nine independent experts – UN Special Rapporteurs and working group members – said they condemned the actions of the Saudi authorities in continuing to detain the women rights defenders, “in the strongest possible terms,” calling for their “immediate and unconditional” release.
A group of those indicted – Samar Badawi, Nassima Al-Sadah, Nouf Abdulaziz, Mayya Al-Zahrani, and Hatoon Al-Fassi – are being held in detention, without any channels of communication. The five were particularly active in demonstrations for women’s rights.
In Friday’s statement, the experts urged Saudi authorities “to immediately make the whereabouts of these five human rights defenders known and to grant them access to their families and lawyers.”
The group of women also include Israa Al-Ghomghan, who faces possible execution despite being denied representation during her trial, and is being tried in Riyadh’s Specialized Criminal Court, an entity set up for terrorism-related cases.
“It is reprehensible that Ms. Al-Ghomagham is facing the death penalty for asserting her fundamental right to peaceful assembly,” the UN experts stressed.
They added that women rights defenders are subject to particular risks and vulnerable to widespread gender-based discrimination, signaling the Saudi administration’s duty to its people.
“We wish to remind the Saudi Government of its obligation to protect and promote the rights of all human rights defenders as they peacefully carry out their legitimate work,” said the experts.
Elliot is an award-winning journalist passionate about international affairs and humanitarian causes. Elliot has covered stories from conflict zones and areas devastated by disasters, highlighting critical global issues.
It’s truly appalling to see the ongoing incarceration of these brave women’s rights activists in Saudi Arabia. The UN experts are right in demanding their immediate and unconditional release. These women have been fighting peacefully for fundamental human rights, and it’s high time they are granted the freedom they deserve.
It is crucial that Saudi Arabia immediately and unconditionally releases all women human rights defenders, as their peaceful activism should be respected and protected. The unjust detention of these brave women is condemnable, and the authorities must take action to ensure their freedom.
As a staunch advocate for women’s rights, it is appalling to see Saudi Arabia continuing to detain these brave women defenders. They should be immediately and unconditionally released to resume their peaceful activism. The world must stand in solidarity with them.
Should Saudi Arabia be held accountable for violating the human rights of these imprisoned women? What actions can the international community take to pressure for their immediate release?
Yes, Saudi Arabia must be held accountable for violating the human rights of these imprisoned women. The international community should impose sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and advocate for their immediate release through strong condemnation and global attention on this injustice.
It is deeply concerning that Saudi Arabia continues to detain these women human rights defenders, who have been advocating for basic freedoms and rights. The international community must put pressure on the Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release these brave activists. No one should be imprisoned for peacefully defending human rights.
It’s truly appalling that Saudi Arabia continues to detain these brave women who were simply advocating for human rights. They should be released immediately and unconditionally. The world must stand up against such oppressive actions.
It is truly alarming to see the ongoing detention of these brave women who have only been advocating for basic human rights. Saudi Arabia must immediately release them and respect their right to peacefully defend human rights.
It’s appalling that Saudi Arabia is still imprisoning women’s rights defenders for peacefully advocating for human rights. These courageous women should be celebrated, not detained. The international community must pressure Saudi authorities to release them immediately and unconditionally.
Saudi Arabia needs to respect women’s rights and release these activists immediately. It’s unacceptable to detain individuals who are peacefully advocating for equality and democracy.
It is appalling to see Saudi Arabia’s continuous detention of women human rights defenders. These activists should be immediately and unconditionally released for their peaceful advocacy for women’s rights.
Do you think Saudi Arabia will adhere to the UN’s call and release the imprisoned women’s rights defenders soon?
I am skeptical that Saudi Arabia will comply with the UN’s call to release the imprisoned women’s rights defenders soon. The Saudi government has a history of disregarding international pressure when it comes to human rights issues.