Speech

45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Saudi Arabia

The UK delivered a statement during Saudi Arabia’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Simon Manley CMG
• Published: 22 January 2024

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

• Location: Geneva
• Delivered on: 22 January 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you Mr President.  Welcome, Minister.

We welcome progress since Saudi Arabia’s last UPR including on the rights of and opportunities for women.

We have three recommendations:

1. Amend cyber crime and anti-terrorism legislation to define terrorism in line with international human rights norms, and ensure that interpretation and application of the definition in counter-terrorism operations are consistent with human rights, particularly freedom of expression.

2. Restrict use of the Specialised Criminal Court to cases that are appropriately defined as terrorism and permit journalists and diplomats to routinely monitor trials.

3. Expand the Juvenile Law to include all crimes and thoroughly and transparently investigate any concerns regarding individuals who may have been minors at the time of their alleged crimes.

Published 22 January 2024