In 2024, Saudi Arabia executed 345 people—the highest number recorded in recent history. This staggering figure more than doubled the executions carried out in 2023 and reflects a dramatic escalation in the Kingdom’s use of capital punishment. On average, one person was executed every 25 hours. Despite global calls to restrict the death penalty to[…]
Saudi Arabia, home to millions of migrant workers, heavily relies on foreign labor for domestic work, primarily women working as housemaids, nannies, and caregivers, which are a significant part of the country’s labor force. However, despite their essential role in the country’s households, migrant domestic workers, primarily from Southeast Asia and Africa, face widespread discrimination,[…]
In Saudi Arabia, the Shia Muslim community, constituting around 12 percent of the population, has long faced systemic discrimination and restrictions on religious freedom. This marginalization permeates various aspects of life, including religious practices, education, employment, and the justice system. Also, the community has been excluded from certain public sector jobs, and has suffered from[…]
Key Findings Saudi Arabia has made notable progress in establishing a legal framework for the rights of persons with disabilities, driven by a combination of domestic legislation and international commitments. Key milestones include the 1987 Legislation of Disability, the 2000 Disability Code, and the 2023 Saudi Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (SLRPD).[…]
Saudi Arabia, governed as an absolute monarchy under a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam, has long faced scrutiny for its religious freedom policies, particularly regarding the treatment of Shia Muslims and other religious minorities. As the birthplace of Islam, the kingdom enforces a legal and social framework that prioritizes Sunni Islam, specifically its Wahhabi doctrine.[…]