Saudi Gazette report

GENEVA — Saudi Arabia on Thursday emphasized the importance of freedom of expression while calling for a balanced approach to maintain public order and uphold society's morals. This came during the Kingdom's speech at a session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva to adopt the results of the fourth round of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.

Dr. Hala AlTuwaijri, head of the Kingdom’s Delegation and President of the Human Rights Commission, delivered the speech, highlighting the key principles and commitments.

"Freedom of expression must not be used as a pretext for disrupting public order, compromising national security, jeopardizing public health, or violating public morals. It should not infringe upon the rights and reputations of others, nor be used for the propagation of war or incitement of nationalist, racial, or religious hatred that leads to discrimination, hostility, or violence. This principle is upheld not only by the laws of the Kingdom but also by the international human rights law," said Dr. AlTuwaijri.

She further asserted, "The Kingdom is steadfast in its pursuit of achieving the highest global standards in the promotion and protection of human rights, grounded in its fundamental principles and values, and the leadership’s commitment to prioritizing human beings above all."

"Equality, dialogue, cooperation, impartiality, objectivity, and transparency should be fundamental pillars and the common ground for any interaction and joint work between countries in the field of human rights on the international level," Dr. AlTuwaijri added.

Dr. AlTuwaijri emphasized that the Kingdom has engaged with the recommendations positively and constructively, driven by its interest in human rights and its desire to demonstrate the highest level of cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.