Saudi Gazette report

GENEVA — Saudi Human Rights Commission (HRC) President Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri said that Saudi Arabia is committed to attaining the highest international standards in protecting and promoting human rights.

She emphasized that this commitment is based on the country's deeply rooted principles and values and the leadership's prioritization of human welfare above all else.

Dr. Al-Tuwaijri's remarks came at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday during Saudi Arabia's participation in a session to adopt the results of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.

Leading the Kingdom's delegation at the session, she highlighted the government's extensive cooperation with the review mechanism, which is a crucial tool for the Human Rights Council to enhance human rights globally.

Dr. Al-Tuwaijri stressed that principles such as equality, dialogue, cooperation, neutrality, objectivity, and transparency should form the foundation for any collaborative efforts between states in the realm of human rights.

She also noted that Saudi Arabia's acceptance of over 80% of the recommendations from the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review demonstrates its genuine dedication to human rights.

During the interactive dialogue, Dr. Al-Tuwaijri outlined the significant reforms and advancements in human rights in the Kingdom, emphasizing that more than 150 legislative, institutional, judicial, and procedural reforms have been accomplished since the adoption of Saudi Vision 2030.

She further explained that these reforms continued even during the challenging circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Al-Tuwaijri underscored that Saudi Arabia's commitment to human rights is rooted in its national vision, as human rights are an integral part of its authentic values and culture, which are reflected in its laws and practices.