States Should Strip Saudi of its HRC Membership Rights

On 28 October 2016, the nations of the world re-elected Saudi Arabia to a seat on the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC). Saudi won its bid to a seat on the Council by running unopposed. Regardless of the circumstances of its election, UN and HRC member states should freeze Saudi Arabia’s position on[…]

Saudi’s Re-Election to the Human Rights Council is an Insult

On Friday 28 October 2016, the 193 member states of the United Nations cast their ballots in elections for the Human Rights Council, and 152 states decided that Saudi Arabia was fit to occupy a seat. The elections were for 14 of the Council’s 47 seats, one of which Saudi will occupy as a representative[…]

The Saudi Association for Civil and Political Rights’ Suliman al-Rashudi

The Saudi Association for Civil and Political Rights (ACPRA) was formed seven years ago this month by a diverse group of activists united in the goal of spreading human rights awareness and advocating for constitutional reform. Its eldest member, Suliman al-Rashudi brought decades of experience in Islamic law and human rights to organization, strengthening the[…]

Stagnant progress on women’s issues in Saudi Arabia

In 2015, Saudi Arabia afforded women the right to vote and stand in municipal elections. The government has also taken steps to open the labor market to more women. Despite these changes, the underlying nature of women’s engagement in Saudi society remains stifled, as Saudi women remain subject to the kingdom’s system of male guardianship,[…]

Saudi State Ideology and Social Media

Saudi Arabia ranks as among the least free countries in the world, with its political, religious, and social spheres characterized by strict state control. Amidst an oppressive public sphere, many activists have turned to online social media as a way to organize and express themselves. However, the government has moved to exert similar control over[…]