Today, 25 February, ALQST launches a campaign highlighting the disconnect between Saudi Arabia’s carefully curated international image and the harsh human rights reality on the ground. It urges the growing numbers of those curious to visit Saudi Arabia or engage with the country not to whitewash human rights abuses, and encourages allies and interested parties to take action in support of activists and individuals at risk.
In recent years, as part of a strategy to diversify its economy, Saudi Arabia has been increasingly opening up to the world and welcoming foreign investors, celebrities in the fields of sport and entertainment, and tourists. However, this apparent liberalisation stands in stark contrast to a chilling climate of fear and intimidation inside the country. At the same time, the authorities have projected a carefully crafted image abroad of progress and reform, an image severely undermined by their serious and persistent human rights abuses.
While the Saudi Tourism Authority works to attract tourists to the kingdom with its “#VisitSaudi” campaign, there are many Saudis under travel bans who are barred from leaving the country. As glamorous and lucrative events from Formula 1 races to international film and comedy festivals are staged, there are prisoners of conscience languishing in jail just a few miles away for acts of free speech and peaceful activism, and people are being executed in record numbers, including child defendants, journalists, and foreign nationals convicted of non-lethal drug offences. And despite official claims to the contrary, women and migrant workers still face entrenched discrimination.
ALQST is therefore calling for all those thinking of visiting the kingdom to be aware of this contradiction, and for both existing and new allies and interested parties to step up action in support of human rights victims in Saudi Arabia, many of whom are the real drivers of reform in the country, including brave human rights defenders, advocates of reform and peaceful critics.
Working with NGO partners and other networks, the campaign will combine targeted private and public advocacy aimed at a range of stakeholders, including organisers and participants of relevant events in Saudi Arabia, alongside awareness-raising efforts and case-specific actions. We welcome anyone interested in supporting or learning more about the campaign to get in touch at contact@alqst.org.
Under the state-led “Vision 2030” economic programme, vast sums have been poured into extravagant mega-projects, tourism facilities, and high-profile sporting and entertainment events. While these things are not inherently problematic, and the Saudi people deserve these opportunities, the public has little say in how funds are allocated. Much of the spending flows through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), tightly controlled by Crown Prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, often with little regard for ordinary people’s everyday needs. Crucially, such initiatives can also serve to divert attention away from entrenched human rights violations and help restore the public image of Mohammed bin Salman, who faced a brief period of international disgrace over the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The campaign will therefore be urging the growing numbers of people considering visiting Saudi Arabia or engaging with the authorities to ensure that they do not become complicit in the whitewashing of abuses. From high-profile celebrities and athletes to social media influencers and travellers, individuals have a responsibility to be aware of the country’s dire human rights situation, and to use their platforms to spotlight pressing concerns and individuals at risk. Businesses also have specific responsibilities to prevent any adverse human rights impacts linked to their operations.
ALQST recognises that publicly raising human rights concerns while inside Saudi Arabia is not safe or feasible for everyone. Even foreign nationals, like many Saudi citizens, have been arbitrarily detained in recent years, in some cases for social media posts. Nevertheless, there are multiple ways to use one’s leverage, and over the coming months ALQST will be developing appropriate guidance and background information for different groups.
In today’s increasingly challenging global context, the struggle between right and wrong continues, and it demands more from us all than ever.
(the image is AI-generated)
