Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission (HRC) president Dr. Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri has emphasised the country’s unwavering commitment to achieving the highest global standards in promoting and safeguarding human rights as outlined in its Vision 2030.
She made the remarks during an opening statement at the Universal Period Review (UPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Saudi Press Agency reports that Al-Tuwaijri underscored the Kingdom’s serious consideration of the UPR mechanism, expressing its significance to the government.
She highlighted the Kingdom’s dedication to submitting national reports and establishing effective monitoring mechanisms for implementing recommendations.
Al-Tuwaijri also emphasised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to engage stakeholders and participate through high-level delegations representing pertinent entities.
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Notably, the President of the Saudi HRC conveyed that the Kingdom has supported and implemented most recommendations from the past three review cycles, achieving an impressive 85% implementation rate out of 450 recommendations.
During the reporting period aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, Al-Tuwaijri pointed out significant and qualitative reforms across legislative, judicial, executive, and procedural domains, addressing various human rights issues.
These reforms adhere to international standards on the right to development and prioritise human beings as the focal point, subject, and beneficiaries of development.
Despite challenges such as the global pandemic, Saudi Arabia successfully implemented over 100 reforms aligned with Vision 2030, establishing a practical legal and institutional framework to promote and protect human rights.
The efforts also aimed to enhance compliance with regional and international human rights standards, aligning with the Kingdom’s commitments under human rights conventions.
In the realm of women’s rights, Al-Tuwaijri highlighted the implementation of more than 50 reforms during the reporting period, with a particular emphasis on combating violence against women and girls.
This included the Law of Protection from Abuse amendment on March 9, 2022.
To promote children’s rights, the Kingdom launched Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s initiative to protect children in the cyber world in 2020, along with the National Family Strategy, encompassing 39 initiatives to promote and safeguard children’s rights.
Al-Tuwaijri concluded that Vision 2030 has enhanced the Kingdom’s work environment, making it attractive and competitive through a human rights approach.
Additionally, she highlighted the Human Capability Development Program, which mandates compulsory education for children aged six to fifteen and aims to provide a comprehensive educational journey.
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