Saudi Arabia’s attempt to join the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term fell short as it received only 117 votes in a competitive election process. This marks a second consecutive defeat attributed to its poor human rights record. Human Rights Watch and other organizations criticized the kingdom’s governance, calling it ‘unfit’ for the council and advocating for the need to uphold human rights standards among candidates.
In a striking display of international disapproval, Saudi Arabia’s aspiration to secure a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) was thwarted for the second consecutive election cycle. The United Nations General Assembly, acting as the gatekeepers of human rights integrity, voted against the kingdom’s candidacy for the 2025-2027 term, resonating with the clamor over its controversial human rights practices that have drawn condemnation from around the globe. The election witnessed 19 candidates vying for 18 seats within five regional groups. Saudi Arabia, competing in the Asia-Pacific division, attracted only 117 votes, landing in a dismal sixth place among six contenders, unable to clear the threshold for a coveted position. This disappointment follows its previous bid that met a similar fate in 2020, signaling a consistent message from the international community regarding the kingdom’s human rights track record. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has been vocal about the necessity for member states to reject Saudi Arabia’s propositions for UNHRC membership, shining a spotlight on General Assembly Resolution 60/251. This foundational document implores nations to consider candidates’ contributions to human rights promotion and requires council members to uphold the highest standards domestically and internationally. Ahead of the vote, HRW’s UN director, Louis Charbonneau, distilled this conviction when he called Saudi Arabia “unfit to serve on the Human Rights Council,” urging states to reflect on the kingdom’s precarious human rights status. Saudi Arabia’s past actions have not gone unnoticed. Reports from HRW reveal egregious incidents, including the alleged killing of hundreds of Ethiopian migrants by Saudi border guards in attempts to cross into Yemen, which may meet the threshold for crimes against humanity. Moreover, there is a glaring void in accountability for numerous war crimes carried out by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen since the conflict ignited in 2015. Elucidating the weighted implications of competitive elections at the United Nations, Tess McEvoy, Programme Director at the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), remarked, “Today’s vote underscores the power of competitive elections at the UN. For the third year in a row, when given a real choice, States voted down the less deserving candidate, refusing to hand powerful actors who violate basic rights an enhanced ability to bend key human rights processes in their favour.” These decisions reflect a steadfast commitment from member states to prioritize human rights over political alliances, fostering a glimmer of hope for the victims of oppression.
The debate surrounding Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations is entrenched in the broader context of global governance and international human rights standards. The UNHRC was established to promote and protect human rights worldwide, and its members are expected to adhere to these ideals rigorously. Saudi Arabia’s controversial record—characterized by serious human rights abuses—has led to widespread criticism from human rights organizations and has influenced its candidacy for the council. The rejection of its bids signifies a collective stance by member states to uphold human rights obligations and to exclude those actors perceived as violators from influential human rights platforms.
The failure of Saudi Arabia to secure a position on the UN Human Rights Council underscores a pivotal moment in international human rights diplomacy. The rejection is not merely a setback for the kingdom but a resounding affirmation by member states that human rights must remain at the forefront of global governance. As voices like HRW and ISHR resonate across the halls of the UN, they frame a narrative of resistance against tyrannical practices, advocating steadfast accountability and principled governance. Saudi Arabia’s continued absence from the council serves as a reminder that the quest for justice is relentless and must be pursued with unwavering resolve.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
