Analysing the UPR of Saudi Arabia: New Recommendations and Foreseeable Developments – Freedom Of Expression (Part One)

On 22 January 2024, Saudi Arabia received a review of its human rights record in the country’s fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This mechanism is characterised by a peer review by other UN member states suggesting how to improve the respect of human rights in light of the country’s international obligations. The government has received[…]

Profile in Persecution: Sayed Hussain Hashim Alawi Fardan

Sayed Hussain Hashim Alawi Fardan was a 17-year-old minor when Bahraini authorities arrested him at a gas station in Sitra Industrial City on 31 March 2013, without providing an arrest warrant. During his detention, he was subjected to torture, enforced disappearance, solitary confinement, sexual harassment, denial of access to his lawyer during interrogation, an unfair[…]

Climate Change and Allocation of Investments in Natural Resources in GCC Countries: Examining the Impacts on Human Rights

Globally, the impact of climate-induced back draws and, ultimately, migrations can be witnessed extensively. This phenomenon is less prevalent in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). However, the recent statistics on climate change and the allocation of investments in natural resources in the Gulf can revert the trend. According to the Middle East Institute (MEI), the[…]

Self-censorship: Bahrainis’ Refuge from the Guillotine of Government Pursuit

Before the commencement of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) on 26 February 2024, ongoing human rights violations in Bahrain have been exposed. This is despite the government’s vigorous efforts to conceal these violations, particularly the freedom of opinion and expression, by claiming superficial reforms before the international community. However, monitoring the[…]

Recent Developments on Death Penalty in Saudi Arabia: An Overview of the Bloodiest Year in the History of the Country.

The latest reports of 2024 outlined an alarming trend in soaring death penalties in Saudi Arabia. The European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR) affirms that at least 172 executions were pursued in 2023. Over this number, the European Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (ECDHR) highlights persistent discrimination in applying the penalty. According to[…]