Saudi Arabia Advocates for Intensified Focus on Palestinian Human Rights at UN Council
In a powerful and urgent address at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, President of Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission, called for increased global attention to the deteriorating human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories. She stressed the critical need to maintain Agenda Item 7, which focuses on human rights violations in these territories, until a just and lasting resolution is achieved—one that includes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Dr. Al-Tuwaijri’s remarks come at a time of heightened tensions and growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. By urging the global community to remain committed to addressing Palestinian rights, Saudi Arabia reinforces its unwavering stance on justice, peace, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
Reaffirming Commitment to Palestinian Rights
During her address, Dr. Al-Tuwaijri highlighted the systematic violations against the Palestinian people, including displacement, violence, and restrictions on basic freedoms. She firmly rejected any attempts to undermine Agenda Item 7, warning that removing or weakening this agenda item would hinder meaningful discussions on Palestinian rights and obstruct efforts toward accountability.
“The world must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Palestinian people,” she stated, urging the international community to hold perpetrators accountable and to work towards a just resolution based on international law.
Her statement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s long-standing diplomatic efforts to advocate for Palestinian self-determination and oppose Israeli aggression. The Kingdom has repeatedly condemned settlement expansions, forced evictions, and restrictions on Palestinian movement, calling them blatant violations of human rights and international law.
Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Reforms: Vision 2030 and Social Justice
While addressing global human rights concerns, Dr. Al-Tuwaijri also shed light on Saudi Arabia’s own advancements in human rights, particularly under Vision 2030—a transformative initiative aimed at modernizing the Kingdom while upholding social and legal protections for all residents.
She emphasized that Saudi Arabia has made substantial progress in ensuring equality and non-discrimination, with policies designed to empower women, youth, and marginalized communities. Key reforms have included:
- Expanding women’s rights, including allowing them to drive, participate in various sectors of the workforce, and take leadership roles.
- Enhancing protections for migrant workers, who make up a significant portion of the Kingdom’s labor force.
- Ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities and the elderly, through policies aimed at social inclusion and accessibility.
- Advancing labor rights by improving working conditions, minimum wages, and legal protections for workers.
With over 15 million expatriates from more than 60 nationalities—accounting for approximately 44% of the total population—Saudi Arabia prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Dr. Al-Tuwaijri reassured that expatriates in the Kingdom enjoy robust legal protections against discrimination and unfair treatment.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Global Peace Efforts
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to human rights extends beyond its borders, as demonstrated by its active role in international mediation and conflict resolution. Dr. Al-Tuwaijri pointed to the diplomatic efforts led by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, which have contributed to peace-building on the global stage.
One notable example is Saudi Arabia’s successful mediation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which facilitated the release of prisoners between the two warring nations. This intervention highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts in times of crisis.
The Kingdom has also been a key player in addressing regional conflicts, such as those in Yemen, Syria, and Sudan, advocating for peaceful resolutions and humanitarian aid for affected populations.
Confronting Hate Speech and Protecting Cultural Values
In addition to advocating for human rights, Dr. Al-Tuwaijri underscored the need to combat hate speech, religious intolerance, and attacks on cultural identity. She stressed that:
- Contempt for religions, incitement of violence, and attacks on religious symbols pose serious threats to global peace and unity.
- Cultural and civilizational diversity must be respected, rather than imposing singular ideological norms on societies.
- Preserving the family unit and moral values is essential for fostering stable and inclusive communities.
Saudi Arabia continues to advocate for freedom of belief and expression, provided that such freedoms do not incite violence or discrimination. The Kingdom has actively engaged in initiatives that promote interfaith dialogue and mutual respect among civilizations.
Strengthening Cooperation with UN Human Rights Mechanisms
Dr. Al-Tuwaijri reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to working closely with UN human rights mechanisms to further enhance global human rights protections. She highlighted the importance of recognizing cultural differences in human rights approaches, stating that imposing a single cultural perspective can undermine true inclusivity.
“The essence of human rights is respect for diversity,” she remarked, emphasizing that international cooperation must be built on mutual respect, rather than ideological imposition.
Global Reactions and the Path Forward
Saudi Arabia’s strong stance on Palestinian rights has resonated across the international community, particularly within Arab and Muslim nations. The Kingdom has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts advocating for:
- An immediate ceasefire in conflict zones, including Gaza.
- Increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians affected by ongoing violence.
- A lasting two-state solution, which remains the most viable path to peace in the region.
With growing international pressure on Israel to halt its military actions and settlement expansions, Saudi Arabia continues to leverage its diplomatic influence to push for a fair resolution. The Kingdom’s leadership has also been instrumental in mobilizing support from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other global bodies to demand justice for the Palestinian people.
Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Role in Human Rights
Saudi Arabia’s dual approach—advocating for global justice while strengthening domestic human rights protections—positions it as a key player in the evolving human rights landscape. As the international community grapples with pressing humanitarian challenges, the Kingdom’s efforts in diplomacy, reform, and advocacy underscore its commitment to justice, equality, and peace for all.
By continuing to champion Palestinian rights and spearhead domestic human rights advancements, Saudi Arabia is shaping the future of human rights discussions on the global stage—proving that commitment to justice must transcend borders and political divides.
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