Saudi Authorities Must Uphold Civil Society’s Vision for Respect and Rights

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International recently issued a statement calling on Saudi Arabia to respect civil society organizations, activists, and dissidents who are advocating for human rights and demanding a future for their country that prioritizes those rights. The call comes in the wake of a public event organized by human rights defenders and activists who issued the roadmap, “A People’s Vision for Reform in Saudi Arabia,” outlining 13 principles that can serve as the foundation for a rights-respecting Saudi Arabia. The document defines human rights and social justice as the most important benchmarks for reform, including the release of all political prisoners, respect for freedom of expression and association, protecting women’s rights, and ending religious discrimination.

Despite Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s promises of reform, Saudi Arabia has faced a significant crackdown on human rights. In particular, the authorities have widely targeted civil society, arresting peaceful dissidents, public intellectuals, and human rights defenders and activists, and sentencing ordinary people to decades-long prison terms for posting on social media. Among the many concerns documented by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are the abusive practices in detention centers, including torture and other ill-treatment, mass executions following unfair trials, and unlawful airstrikes causing the killing and wounding of thousands of civilians in Yemen.

“At great personal risk, brave Saudi people have put forward a vision for reform that prioritizes respect for human rights,” notes Joey Shea, Saudi Arabia Researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The Saudi government should heed these calls,” he added. Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Director, Heba Morayef, shared her solidarity with Saudi activists advocating for human rights at home and abroad. She emphasized that the Saudi authorities should acknowledge and appreciate the vital role that civil society plays in public decision-making, the promotion, and protection of human rights. Human rights defenders, activists, dissidents, and NGOs should be allowed to actively participate in decisions on human rights reforms in the country.

Overall, the call for respect for civil society and human rights is not unique to Saudi Arabia. However, the kingdom’s context is particularly noteworthy given the recent initiatives to promote reforms through the “Vision 2030” program, which aims to modernize society and the economy. Critics have opined that the reforms are only superficial, with the regime’s tight control over the country’s governance and minimal reforms to the laws and institutions governing human rights raising serious questions about its commitment to genuine reform and accountability.

As such, it is clear that Saudi Arabia needs to do more than pay lip service to human rights and reform. Fundamental reforms regarding the country’s respect for human rights and civil society should be a top priority for the government, and it should start by implementing the “People’s Vision for Reform,” which outlines a clear roadmap for the country’s journey toward a rights-respecting society. By respecting civil society and allowing for active participation in decision-making, the Saudi authorities can gain public support and credibility, foster accountability for human rights violations, and promote genuine and lasting reform.

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