Saudi Gazette report

GENEVA — Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of doubling attention to the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, in light of the unfortunate events taking place in Palestine. Addressing a high-level segment of the 58^th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Human Rights Commission and head of the Saudi delegation, called for rejecting any attempts to undermine Item 7 of the Council's agenda items referring to "Human rights situation in Palestine and other Occupied Arab Territories", and activating it until an independent Palestinian state is established on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Dr. Al-Tuwaijri noted that Saudi has witnessed many reforms and developments in human rights at various levels within the framework of Vision 2030. “This is based on human rights principles, including equality and non-discrimination in the enjoyment of the right to development, empowering women, youth and groups subject to special care such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, and migrant workers, in addition to achieving an ideal quality of life for all. The vision has also contributed to enhancing the efficiency and ability of the relevant authorities to host major global events and activities, placing people and their rights at the top of their priorities,” she said.

The HRC chief said that the Kingdom has worked to develop its legislative system, which has contributed to building a solid legal framework that protects and enhances human rights, as many laws have been amended and issued. “Saudi Arabia now hosts a diverse society that includes more than 15 million foreigners from more than 60 nationalities, constituting more than 44 percent of the population, who enjoy their rights without discrimination and with the highest levels of protection,” she said.

Dr. Al-Tuwaijri emphasized that the Kingdom has spared no effort in promoting international peace and security based on its established values and its commitment to implementing the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, starting with its support for just causes and seeking to end crises, including the Ukrainian crisis. She specially noted the mediation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, which culminated in the release of a number of prisoners as part of the prisoner exchange process between Russia and Ukraine.

“If we want respect for human rights to prevail anywhere in the world, we must maintain strong and cohesive societies by confronting practices that harm the entire society, such as contempt for religions and religious symbols, hate speech, and the importance of preserving the family,” she said.

Dr. Al-Tuwaijri emphasized that the Kingdom is keen to enhance its close cooperation with the United Nations mechanisms for human rights, with the importance of respecting different values and not seeking to impose single, chosen values on societies, and recognizing their cultural and civilizational diversity and investing that in protecting and promoting human rights.