In a striking turn of events, Saudi Arabia, notorious for its dismal women’s rights record, is now presiding over the UN’s foremost women’s rights body until March 21. This unprecedented appointment has sparked outrage among advocates as the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women unfolds, having been crafted to champion gender equality amid concerns of women’s rights backlash. Hillel Neuer, director of UN Watch, poignantly remarked, “It’s surreal. Electing Saudi Arabia to head the world body for protecting women’s rights is like putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank.”
As chair, Saudi Arabia wields significant influence over crucial decisions regarding women’s rights, despite minimal reforms. Neuer highlighted that legal discrimination persists, enveloping women under a male guardianship system, nestled into law just three years ago on International Women’s Day. He emphasised, “We call on the EU states and all other democracies… to state for the record that this is absurd, morally reprehensible, and an insult to the oppressed women of Saudi Arabia.”
The irony deepens as one of the most patriarchal regimes takes the helm of the Commission, ostensibly dedicated to bolstering gender equality. Notably, this marks Saudi Arabia’s inaugural leadership since the commission’s inception in 1946. Neuer’s fervent words implicate the UN, accusing it of devaluing women’s rights for political gain: “By elevating a misogynistic regime… it betrays millions of female victims in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere who look to the world body for protection.”
Further compounding the situation, Neuer outlines instances of sustained persecution of Saudi women. Legal restrictions compel them to secure male approval for everyday actions, perpetuating systemic discrimination. He calls attention to the alarming arrests of women’s rights advocates, including Salma al-Shehab, sentenced to 27 years for social media criticism. Such actions starkly contrast the global message of empowerment the UN is meant to convey.
The Commission on the Status of Women, while ideally suited to scrutinise violators, has frequently neglected to hold abusers accountable. For instance, it has never addressed Saudi Arabia’s oppressive practices or issued resolutions condemning human rights violations in Yemen, Pakistan, or Iran. Instead, the CSW indulges in general thematic resolutions, often sidestepping pressing issues plaguing nations with acute women’s rights deficits.
Saudi Arabia’s election as chair was unanimous, occurring on March 27, 2024, reflecting a chilling consensus that overlooks the stark realities faced by many women. With this appointment, critics contend that the UN has relinquished its principled position, ultimately favouring political alliances over genuine human rights advocacy.
Saudi Arabia’s appointment as chair of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women has ignited widespread outrage due to its notorious record on women’s rights. Hillel Neuer from UN Watch has condemned the move as morally reprehensible, emphasising the ongoing discrimination women face under Saudi laws. With a history of ignoring abusers, the Commission has failed to hold Saudi Arabia and other offending nations accountable, raising concerns over the UN’s commitment to genuine women’s rights advocacy.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the UN Commission on the Status of Women is broadly viewed as a troubling contradiction to the principles of gender equality the body aims to uphold. As highlighted by Hillel Neuer and others, the persistent oppression of women in Saudi Arabia undermines the integrity of the commission, raising alarm over the global commitment to women’s rights. The decision to appoint such a regime calls into question the efficacy of international human rights bodies when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable populations.
Original Source: unwatch.org
