In a surprising turn of events, Saudi Arabia was unsuccessful in securing a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the 2025-27 term, marking the second consecutive defeat for the Gulf kingdom in these elections. The kingdom received the least number of votes among six Asia-Pacific countries vying for five available seats, with rights groups viewing this outcome as a clear indication of the world’s vigilance over Riyadh’s human rights practices.
Maya Foa, director of Reprieve, a rights group, highlighted the ongoing execution crisis in Saudi Arabia as a major concern, with 213 executions reported so far this year. The failure to secure a seat on the HRC signifies a shift in focus from Saudi Arabia’s public relations efforts to its actual human rights actions.
The HRC’s mandate is to uphold and promote human rights globally, making it a significant body within the UN. Human rights activists have criticized Riyadh’s candidacy, emphasizing the importance of member countries abiding by the highest standards of human rights protection.
The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) expressed relief over the outcome, citing the importance of considering candidates’ human rights records before voting. Madeleine Sinclair, ISHR’s New York director, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s concerning track record, including atrocities and repression of civil society.