Saudi Arabia appointed chair of UN women's rights forum

SOURCE www.semafor.com
Saudi Arabia appointed as chair of the United Nations' top forum for women's rights and gender equality, despite its poor record on women's rights. Human rights organizations criticize the decision, highlighting the country's discriminatory practices.

Key Points

  • Saudi Arabia appointed as chair of the Commission on the Status of Women without a vote.
  • Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International criticize the decision, citing Saudi Arabia's discriminatory practices.
  • UN Women reports worsening gender disparities globally, estimating it could take 286 years to close global gender gaps in legal protections.

Cons

  • Saudi Arabia has a poor record on women's rights and gender equality.
  • Women's rights activists in Saudi Arabia face persecution and imprisonment.
  • The country's male guardianship system remains largely intact despite some reforms.