HRW’s report accuses Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund of facilitating human rights violations both locally and abroad. It highlights issues of corruption, lack of transparency, and economic influence used to silence dissent. Notably, acquisitions tied to the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi and the forced displacement of the Huwaitat tribe were called out. The report emphasizes that the PIF, as part of the state, must adhere to international human rights obligations.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a report alleging that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) plays a significant role in perpetuating human rights violations both domestically and internationally. The report details how the PIF has been involved in the forced expropriation of companies for political purposes and highlights systemic corruption and a lack of transparency within the fund’s operations. It notes the PIF’s influence in silencing dissent abroad through its economic power and strategic acquisitions, exemplified by its investment in Sky Prime Aviation, directly linked to the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Furthermore, the PIF has funded NEOM, a controversial urban development project that has faced heavy criticism for the forced displacement of the Huwaitat tribe. Concerns surrounding the PIF revolve around its opaque administration, with most leadership positions held by Mohammed Bin Salman and close government allies, allowing unchecked funding access to numerous projects with minimal oversight. This contrasts starkly with the plight of migrant workers, many of whom suffer extreme poverty amidst the fund’s immense wealth.
HRW also points out that the PIF employs restrictive non-disparagement clauses in contracts, aimed at muffling criticism of its human rights record. The fund has pursued legal action against international firms investigating its activities, creating an environment of fear and intimidation. During the Professional Golf Organization’s acquisition process, the PIF mandated that no criticisms of the Saudi government could be voiced, further illustrating its grip on narrative surrounding its operations.
The report emphasizes that, as an extension of the Saudi state, the PIF is bound by international law, including UN human rights treaties. Under the UN’s guidelines, it must actively prevent and address any negative human rights impacts stemming from its business activities, reinforcing the notion that economic power must be wielded responsibly and ethically.
The article focuses on Human Rights Watch’s report highlighting the public investment fund of Saudi Arabia and its alleged connections to human rights abuses. It discusses the fund’s investments and acquisitions that have led to political repression and its administrator’s deep ties to the Saudi government, emphasizing the need for transparency in sovereign funds.
Overall, the HRW report sheds light on the PIF’s significant role in enabling human rights abuses through its vast economic influence and lack of oversight. It calls attention to the morally dubious practices associated with the fund, urging a reevaluation of how sovereign wealth funds operate in the global context. The findings implicate both the fund and the Saudi state within a broader accountability framework under international law.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
