Saudi Arabia appointed to lead UN forum on women's rights and gender equality
- In Reports
- 11:22 AM, Mar 30, 2024
- Myind Staff
As per CNN reports Saudi Arabia Mission to the UN announced the unanimous appointment of Saudi Arabia to chair the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in 2025.
Abdulaziz Alwasil, the Saudi ambassador to the UN, was elected as the chair. Saudi ambassador to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, was elected as chair. Women's rights advocates have criticized the decision by the United Nations to appoint Saudi Arabia as the chair of a gender equality forum.
Before the decision, Sherine Tadros, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Advocacy, denounced Saudi Arabia for its notorious treatment of women.
Tadros stated that the Commission on the Status of Women holds a clear mandate to promote women's rights and gender equality. She emphasized the importance of the commission's chair upholding this mandate. Tadros highlighted Saudi Arabia's poor record in protecting and promoting women's rights, underscoring the stark disparity between the lived experiences of women and girls in Saudi Arabia and the commission's aspirations.
Tadros added that Saudi Arabia's commitment to women's rights cannot be demonstrated solely by securing a leadership role in the commission. She stressed that the country must exhibit its commitment through tangible domestic actions.
Human Rights Watch also issued a warning regarding the UN decision, stating last week that "Saudi Arabia systematically discriminates against women and persecutes women's rights activists."
According to CNN, Saudi Arabia stated its eagerness to support women by collaborating with the CSW as part of its new vision for the kingdom.
The state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the kingdom's chairmanship of the committee affirms its interest in cooperation within the international community to enhance women's rights and empowerment. The report also highlighted the kingdom's achievements in this field, attributing them to the special attention and care paid by the kingdom's leadership to women's empowerment and rights.
According to the Saudi government's website, "Saudi Vision 2030," the aim is to create "a strong, thriving, and stable Saudi Arabia that provides opportunity for all." The Saudi Press Agency further stated that Saudi Vision 2030 includes priorities and targets focused on enabling women's full participation at all levels and harnessing their capabilities effectively.
Image source: Business Standards
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