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United Nations headquarters in New York

Photo: John Minchillo / AP

When it was announced in 2022 that Saudi Arabia would have a seat on the UN Commission on the Rights of Women (CSW) from April 2023, there was great indignation among many experts and human rights organizations. This anger is likely to become even greater with the latest decision. As the British "Guardian" reports, among others, Saudi Arabia is now taking over the chairmanship of the United Nations' most important body on gender equality.

Even before the decision, which had become apparent in the past few days, Amnesty International had already made clear statements. »The Commission has a clear mandate to advance women's rights and gender equality and it is crucial that this is also embodied by the Chair. “Saudi Arabia has an abysmal record when it comes to protecting and promoting women’s rights,” Amnesty’s Sherine Tadros wrote.

Abdulaziz Alwasil, Saudi Arabia's UN envoy, will be chairman. According to the Guardian, none of the delegates from 45 countries expressed opposition to their nomination at the CSW's annual meeting. There were therefore no opposing candidates either.

The Philippines actually held the presidency for two years. However, other members from Asia had urged the country to hand over the seat after a year. Bangladesh was actually intended to be the successor, but instead Saudi Arabia pushed its way to the top with a lot of lobbying.

Louis Charbonneau of Human Rights Watch made it clear on Charbonneau continues that he has no right to such a position.

He also criticized the other countries on the commission for not preventing the change. »If everyone had straightened out, this wouldn't have happened. But everyone was silent.”

Saudi Arabia is trying to polish its image to the outside world with reforms such as allowing women to drive. At the same time, however, deeply patriarchal structures still prevail in the ultra-conservative country. Human rights activists accuse the Saudi royal family of only faking its desire for reform. Public criticism, especially from activists, is often met with draconian prison sentences.

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