Time to End Saudi Arabia’s Shameful Position on the Human Rights Council

In 2006 the United Nations (UN) established a new Human Rights Council (HRC) to be “responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe.”  The HRC replaced the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) after it had been heavily criticized for allowing countries with poor human rights records to be members. Now,[…]

Understanding the role of UAE women in government

Amal al-Qubaisi, President of the UAE Federal National Council   In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the government restricts men and women’s rights as voters and political candidates. In 2006, the government instituted a public voting process for the country’s 40-member parliamentary body, the Federal National Council (FNC), for the first time. However, authorities have[…]

Bahrain hajj policy is a major step backwards for women’s rights

Bahrain’s Ministry of Islamic and Judicial Affairs has announced a new policy requiring Bahraini women under the age of 45 must be accompanied by a male guardian in order to hajj, a religious pilgrimage in Mecca. Local newspaper Al Wasat has reported that the new policy will be implemented in 2017. The restriction is one[…]

Despite human rights violations, US-Bahrain security cooperation continues

Over the last few months the Bahraini government has stepped up its domestic repression by imprisoning and exiling human rights defenders, shutting down the largest political opposition society, and arresting and imprisoning dozens of Bahrainis who exercise their right to free expression and freedom of assembly. Following the citizenship revocation of Sheikh Isa Qassim in[…]

British-Saudi woman allegedly trapped by father in Jeddah

A British judge ruled last Wednesday that dual British-Saudi citizen, Amina Al-Jeffery, must be allowed to return to the UK from Saudi Arabia.  The decision comes after 21-year-old Amina Al-Jeffery claimed that she is being kept in a cage by her father, Mohammed Al-Jeffery Ms. Al-Jeffery  was born and raised in Swansea, Wales, but was forced[…]