KSA to Chair UN Forum on Women’s Rights

The Saudi Arabia Mission to the UN announced that the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) has appointed Saudi Arabia to chair its 69th session in 2025. Abdulaziz Alwasil, who is the Saudi ambassador to the UN, was elected as chair on Wednesday.

Prior to the decision, Sherine Tadros, Amnesty International Deputy Director for Advocacy, expressed concerns about Saudi Arabia's treatment of women, citing their notorious reputation.

Tadros said Friday: “The Commission on the Status of Women has a clear mandate to promote women’s rights and gender equality and it is vital for the chair of the commission to uphold this. Saudi Arabia’s abysmal record when it comes to protecting and promoting the rights of women puts a spotlight on the vast gulf between the lived reality for women and girls in Saudi Arabia, and the aspirations of the commission.”

“Saudi Arabia cannot prove its commitment to women’s rights merely by securing a leadership role in the commission. It must demonstrate its commitment through concrete actions domestically,” Tadros added.

Human Rights Watch also warned about the UN decision, saying last week that “Saudi Arabia systematically discriminates against women and persecutes women’s rights activists.”