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| The legal landscape in Saudi Arabia is characterized by a lack of written laws on gender or sexual identity. Photo: Courtesy |
By Mussa Lugete
The human rights landscape in Saudi Arabia has been marred by grave violations that extend beyond its borders. A recent report has illuminated the chilling reality faced by Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers attempting to cross the Yemen-Saudi Arabia border.
From March 2022 to June 2023, Saudi border guards are alleged to have killed hundreds of these vulnerable individuals, using explosive weapons and shooting at close range.
In one horrific instance, reports indicate that guards asked migrants which body part they preferred to be shot, underscoring the systematic and brutal nature of these acts.
This systematic targeting of migrants could qualify as a crime against humanity, reflecting a deeply troubling policy aimed at deterring migration through lethal force.
Inside Saudi Arabia, the government's crackdown on dissent has intensified. Activists, scholars, and peaceable critics face severe reprisals for expressing their views, with many receiving sentences of decades in prison or facing the death penalty for innocuous social media posts.
Since 2015, a war has raged in Yemen, supported by Saudi Arabia and its allies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing conflict, fueled by the Saudi-led coalition's airstrikes, has led to immense civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
Despite international scrutiny, accountability for Saudi Arabia’s role in war crimes remains elusive, as the world watches on without substantial repercussions for the kingdom.
The legal landscape in Saudi Arabia is characterized by a lack of written laws of gender or sexual identity, with judges relying on unwritten interpretations of Islamic law to punish those accused of sexual offenses, including extramarital relations or homosexuality.
Cases are often fraught with inconsistencies and lack of due process, with accusations made on flimsy evidence. For instance, a retired Saudi teacher, Muhammad al-Ghamdi, was sentenced to death for non-violent online speech, illustrating the grave risks faced by those voicing dissent.
The plight of women in Saudi Arabia also demands urgent attention. Despite recent reforms, the male guardianship system remains entrenched, often allowing men to dictate the lives of women under their care.
The recently enacted Personal Status Law, touted by officials as a progressive measure, still reinforces male authority and does little to dismantle the structural barriers women face.
Activists, such as Loujain al-Hathloul, who campaigned for women’s rights, continue to be silenced, facing imprisonment and travel bans, which perpetuates a culture of fear and repression.
Moreover, the economic framework in Saudi Arabia heavily relies on migrant labor, with approximately 13.4 million migrants making up about 41.6% of the population.
However, these workers are often subjected to the kafala system, a sponsorship model that places them in a position of vulnerability, allowing employers to wield disproportionate power over their lives.
Migrant workers endure physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, and the Saudi government frequently conducts mass arrests and deportations, further victimizing those who flee from abusive situations.
The conflict in Yemen has exacerbated the human rights crisis, with Saudi-led coalition airstrikes leading to indiscriminate bombings that have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties.
Reports estimate that from 2015 to 2021, over 377,000 people died as a direct or indirect result of the prolonged conflict.
The international community's response, particularly from the United States and the United Kingdom, has been one of complicity, as both nations continue to supply arms and military support to the Saudi-led coalition, despite documented violations of international humanitarian law.
Saudi Arabia's system of justice reflects a concerning trend where punitive measures are arbitrarily enforced. The absence of written laws related to gender identity has led to draconian punishments for those engaging in same-sex relationships, often justified under the guise of maintaining public morals.
A notable case involved a 66-year-old Egyptian doctor sentenced to ten years in prison for alleged affiliations with a banned organization, with claims of forced confessions and a lack of fair trial standards.
The death penalty in Saudi Arabia poses another alarming issue, as executions are carried out for a range of offenses, including non-violent drug-related crimes.
In March 2023, Jordanian citizen Hussein Abu al-Khair was executed for a drug offense, despite allegations that he confessed under duress.
Such actions contradict international legal standards, which stipulate that the death penalty should only be imposed for the most serious crimes and under exceptional circumstances.
While the Saudi government claims to uphold a commitment to human rights, this rhetoric is belied by the reality on the ground.
The government has made attempts to improve its image through investments in sports and entertainment, seeking to "cleanse" its record of human rights abuses.
The Public Investment Fund has engaged in lucrative partnerships with international organizations, such as the Professional Golfers' Association, aiming to distract from its egregious violations by showcasing a more progressive facade.
The situation is further complicated by the international community's geopolitical interests in the region. The United States has historically provided military support and arms sales to Saudi Arabia, further entrenching its capacity to conduct military operations in Yemen with impunity.
Despite promises of increased scrutiny over arms sales, the Biden administration continues to prioritize strategic alliances over human rights considerations, effectively enabling Saudi Arabia's ongoing abuses.
In response to the escalating crises, various human rights organizations have called for accountability and reform within the kingdom.
Advocacy for migrant rights, women's rights, and the protection of political dissidents has intensified, highlighting the need for global awareness and action against the Saudi regime's oppressive practices.
The intertwining of economic interests, geopolitical strategies, and human rights violations paints a bleak picture of Saudi Arabia’s future. As the kingdom continues to navigate its modernization efforts under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the systemic issues rooted in its governance, social structures, and judicial practices persist.
Without significant international pressure and a commitment to upholding human rights, the cycle of violence and repression will likely continue unabated.
In conclusion, the ongoing violations of human rights in Saudi Arabia reveal a deeply flawed system that prioritizes power and control over the dignity and rights of individuals.
From the horrific treatment of migrants at the border to the brutal repression of dissent and gender-based discrimination, the need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues has never been more urgent.
The global community must confront its complicity and hold the Saudi government accountable for its actions, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard and respected.
The path forward requires not only a reevaluation of international relationships but also a commitment to championing human rights as a universal standard that transcends geopolitical interests.
Mussa Lugete, a history graduate from the University of Dar es Salaam, is a seasoned analyst with contributions to platforms like BBC, Clouds FM, and Radio France International. For inquiries, he can be reached at +776088284.