STATEMENT
45th UPR Session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia, as delivered by Ms Jannicke GRAATRUD,
Minister, Deputy Permanent Representative of Norway in Geneva.
Check against delivery
22 January 2024
President,
Norway welcomes the progress on social and economic rights, especially for women, but concerns remain regarding political and civil rights.
Norway recommends that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
- Declares a moratorium on the use of the death penalty and moves towards the abolition of death penalty.
- Strengthen(s) the legal protection of migrant workers and enforces labour protection legislation equally for commercial and domestic employees; and reviews the individual sponsorship system.
- Ensures that the counter-terrorism legislation complies with international human rights standards, so as not to criminalize peaceful exercise of freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
- Ensures a safe and enabling environment for all human rights defenders and journalists , in particular for women human rights defenders.
Thank you