"The Saudi Human Rights Commission: a Whitewashing Tool of the Kingdom", drafted by MENA Rights Group with the inputs of ALQST for Human Rights and the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, aims to critically analyse the SHRC’s role in Saudi Arabia. It finds clear evidence pointing to the institution’s alignment with the government’s interests, and its exploitation as a tool to whitewash the Kingdom’s egregious human rights record.
Introduction
Saudi Arabia has long been responsible for a persistent pattern of gross human rights violations. These violations encompass a broad range of issues, manifesting in both law and practice, ranging from the severe repression of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, to the disregard for the principles of due process and fair trial, and the persistent use of the death penalty. This ongoing pattern highlights the urgent need for reform, vigorous oversight and protection of human rights.
Since its establishment in 2005, the Saudi Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has, in principle, been responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in the country. The SHRC is mandated to undertake a number of human rights-related tasks, including addressing human rights complaints, engaging in legislative work, and monitoring detention facilities. In theory, it stands as an independent entity, capable of holding the government accountable and advancing human rights on the ground.
However, the effectiveness of the SHRC in fulfilling this essential role should be questioned, both in theory and practice. As a general rule, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) seek accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), a step greatly encouraged by UN human rights bodies. As part of their accreditation process, these institutions are assessed according to international standards adopted by the UN General Assembly, commonly referred to as the Paris Principles. However, the SHRC has never sought accreditation from the GANHRI, and its independence and effectiveness have never been assessed on an international level.
This comprehensive report aims to critically analyse the SHRC’s role in Saudi Arabia. It finds clear evidence pointing to the institution’s alignment with the government’s interests, and its exploitation as a tool to whitewash the Kingdom’s egregious human rights record. By examining its legal framework, composition, partnerships and actions, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the SHRC’s independence and effectiveness in promoting and protecting human rights.
The content of this report is founded upon a combination of open-source information and testimonies of victims of human rights abuses gathered by the report’s co-authors. The report was drafted by MENA Rights Group with the inputs of ALQST for Human Rights and the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, as well as with the contribution of Reprieve.
