Saudi Arabia kicks off its 2017-2019 term on the U.N. Human Rights Council by speaking of its “empowerment of women”—and Israel’s “flagrant violation of human rights.”
Bandar bin Mohammed Alaiban, Minister and President of the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia: “Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Our lofty [U.N. Human Rights] Council is playing an important role in the protection and promotion of human rights across the world. We continue our membership for the fourth time…. We have continued our efforts to promote and protect human rights based on the tenets and principles of Islamic Shariah.
We have set up a Bar Association, and the council on women and family affairs…
Our vision is focused on the promotion and protection of human rights and the protection of the family and the empowerment of women as well as the setting of women’s organizations with the right to fully participate in the society…
Mr. President, what the Palestinian people are facing in terms of flagrant violations of human rights by the Israeli occupation forces requires the international community to undertake its responsibility to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to support the Palestinian people and the unity of its capital in Jerusalem…
In conclusion, I would like to continue to strengthen and protect human rights at all levels… I wish you all success in your work. Thank you, and may God bless you all.”
(Applause from U.N. Human Rights Council delegates.)
Mr. President, what the Palestinian people are facing in terms of flagrant violations of human rights by the Israeli occupation forces requires the international community to undertake its responsibility to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to support the Palestinian people and the unity of its capital in Jerusalem…
In conclusion, I would like to continue to strengthen and protect human rights at all levels… I wish you all success in your work. Thank you, and may God bless you all.”
(Applause from U.N. Human Rights Council delegates.)
