Countries with poor human rights records, like Saudi Arabia, seek seats on the UN Human Rights Council to deflect criticism rather than promote human rights. Advocacy efforts have effectively blocked such nations from gaining influence, yet significant challenges remain as other violators, like Ethiopia, enter the council. Reforming electoral processes is crucial to ensuring that member states reflect genuine commitments to human rights advocacy.
The election of states with poor human rights records to the UN Human Rights Council often serves to undermine genuine advocacy for human rights. Recently, Saudi Arabia’s unsuccessful bid to join this esteemed body highlighted the troubling trend of nations wishing to join while neglecting their responsibilities towards human rights. Despite spending vast amounts on improving its global image, Saudi Arabia continues to violate freedoms, particularly targeting activists and furthering repression against dissenting voices. For Saudi Arabia to be viewed as a credible member of the international community, it must actively engage in reforming its human rights practices, starting with the release of imprisoned activists. ALQST for Human Rights, spearheaded by Lina al-Hathloul, has documented a worsening of human rights in Saudi Arabia since 2018’s earlier review, showcasing the ongoing plight of those standing against the regime’s misconduct. Alongside numerous organizations, they have advocated against Saudi Arabia’s inclusion on the council. The UN’s Human Rights Council is supposed to embody the highest standards of human rights advocacy; however, it has been infiltrated by nations notorious for human rights abuses, such as China and Eritrea. Civil society efforts have successfully thwarted Saudi Arabia’s bid, but fears persist as Ethiopia, accused of war crimes in Tigray, will join the council in 2025. This underscores a grim reality where gross human rights violators are allowed to influence global human rights discourse. To effectively curb the participation of countries that systematically violate human rights, the election procedures of the Human Rights Council must undergo stringent reforms. General Assembly Resolution 60/251 calls for member states to be judged on their commitment to human rights. To remain true to its intended purpose, the council must bring accountability and shed light on the dark corners of human rights abuses rather than help shroud them in silence.
The UN Human Rights Council aims to promote and protect human rights globally. However, the integrity of this body is compromised when countries with egregious human rights records, like Saudi Arabia, seek membership not for advocacy but to escape scrutiny. The repeated election or candidacy of states involved in human rights abuses raises concerns about the effectiveness of the council and its commitment to upholding the values it professes to represent. Activism and advocacy from organizations are crucial in challenging such selections and promoting genuine reform within the council’s electoral processes. Ongoing violations, censorship, and suppression of dissent in countries like Saudi Arabia call into question the legitimacy of their bids for international human rights leadership. International scrutiny and civil society efforts aim to hold these nations accountable, pushing for real change rather than vague promises of reform.
The situation surrounding the UN Human Rights Council serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance against the inclusion of human rights violators in such significant global institutions. A collective effort is necessary to reform election processes to ensure that only states genuinely committed to upholding human rights are permitted membership. As advocates continue to spotlight injustices and push for accountability, the Council may yet fulfill its original mandate intended by the UN General Assembly. The fight for true human dignity persists, demanding unwavering commitment and action from both civil society and nations alike.
Original Source: theglobepost.com
