Saudi Arabia seeks UN human rights seat amid record executions

In 2024, Saudi Arabia is attempting to secure a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council, with a vote scheduled for October 9. This effort comes after the kingdom's failure to gain a position on the council in 2020. However, the backdrop of this bid is troubling, as Saudi Arabia has recorded its highest number of executions in 30 years, raising significant concerns among human rights organizations. Despite a Royal Order issued in March 2020 stating that no one would be executed for crimes committed as minors, reports indicate that at least one individual has been executed for a childhood crime since then. This contradiction highlights the ongoing issues within the Saudi justice system. Furthermore, the international political landscape has shifted in favor of Saudi Arabia, particularly due to the geopolitical ramifications of Russia's war on Ukraine, which has allowed the kingdom to enhance its influence among non-aligned nations. Critics argue that gaining a seat on the U.N. body will not alter Saudi Arabia's human rights practices, as the country has a history of disregarding international norms and institutions. The situation remains complex, with ongoing human rights violations and a lack of transparency in legal proceedings, particularly concerning individuals sentenced to death for crimes committed as minors.