Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia faced unprecedented international criticism in 2019 for its human rights record, including continuing repression of dissidents and activists and the failure to provide accountability for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in October 2018. Amid the criticism, Saudi authorities announced landmark reforms for Saudi women that, if fully implemented, represent a significant step forward, including allowing Saudi women over 21 years old to obtain passports and travel abroad without male guardian permission for the first time. However, women’s rights activists still remained in prison or on trial for their activism. In 2019, Saudi Arabia carried out 184 executions, 84 for non-violent drug crimes. Through 2019, the Saudi-led coalition continued a military campaign against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen that has included scores of unlawful airstrikes that have killed and wounded thousands of civilians.

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Exploitation, Forced Labor & Trafficking
December 23, 2020
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Saudi Arabia: ‘Image Laundering’ Conceals Abuses
New Human Rights Watch Campaign Against Whitewashing Rights Violations
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Yemen: Houthis Kill, Expel Ethiopian Migrants
Saudis Fire on Survivors, Detain Hundreds in Appalling Conditions
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Yemen: Saudi Forces Torture, ‘Disappear’ Yemenis
At Least 5 Detainees from al-Mahrah Illegally Transferred to Saudi Arabia
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News
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Saudi Arabia: Personal Drivers Face Abuse
Forthcoming Kafala Reforms Overlook Vulnerable Domestic Workers
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Saudi: Terrorism Court Rushes Activist’s Unfair Trial
Charges Relate Solely to Peaceful Women’s Rights Activism
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Saudi Arabia: Migrants Held in Inhuman, Degrading Conditions
Detained Migrants Allege Torture, Killing in Detention, Fears of Covid-19
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Saudi Arabia: Saudi-US Doctor Sentenced on Vague Charges
6-Year Sentence for Political Views, Criticism
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Saudi Arabia Uses Celebrities to Whitewash Abuses
#SaudiRegrets Campaign Seeks Influencers to Speak Out
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Is Saudi Arabia Serious About Clemency for Women Activists?
HRW G20 Campaign Calls for Release of All Human Rights Defenders
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What Will it Take for Saudi Arabia to Abolish Abusive Sponsorship System?
Migrant Workers Face Abuse and Exploitation