Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee discusses Saudi Arabia’s inaugural report

Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, the president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, led the Kingdom’s delegation at the 22nd session of the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee at the Arab League, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The agenda at the session, which is taking place in Cairo over two days until Dec. 26, includes a review of Saudi Arabia’s inaugural periodic human rights report.

Al-Tuwaijri spoke of Saudi Arabia’s committed approach to human rights in her keynote address, outlining the Kingdom’s foundational governance principles — justice, consultation, and equality — and its endeavors in establishing a comprehensive legal and institutional framework aimed at bolstering and safeguarding human rights.

Al-Tuwaijri underscored the significance of Article 26 of the Basic Law of Governance, which mandates state protection of human rights in alignment with Islamic law, including justice, equality, family rights, property rights, social security, employment, cultural engagement, education, health, environmental protection, personal safety and freedom, privacy rights, judicial independence, and equitable access to justice.

She further highlighted the substantial human rights reforms enacted under the auspices of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which reflected a dynamic and forward-thinking political commitment to the progression and protection of human rights.

Al-Tuwaijri added that since the initiation of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia had enacted over 100 legislative, institutional, judicial, and procedural amendments regarding human rights.

She advocated for stronger collaboration and integration within the Arab League to champion for human rights, particularly the Palestinian cause, while expressing concern over the worsening human rights conditions in Palestinian territories.

Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Haifa Abu Ghazaleh commended Saudi Arabia’s advances in regard to human rights, particularly noting the significant standard and institutional reforms.