Alongside the 31th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva, a group of Saudi Arabian civil society organizations, including the Saudi Organization for Rights and Freedoms, the Saudi European Organization for Human Rights, Advocating for Human Rights in Saudi Arabia, Diwani al-Ahli Organization, and Monitor of Human Rights in Saudi Arabia, called for clarification of the new law to regulate civil associations and institutions in the country.

The Saudi government, in delivering a speech to the Human Rights Council, indicated some achievements, including the passing of a new law regulating associations and civil institutions. However, the government ignored a series of extensive human rights violations against civil society, such as the refusal of the authorities to register human rights organizations. Such refusal has made those affiliated with human right organizations subject to criminal trials on charges of “participating in the establishment of unlicensed associations”. According to the new law, the Saudi government still has the power to dissolve or replace the board of directors of any associations based on broad justifications such as “violating the public order,” or “contradicting the Islamic Sharia.” This new law also requires government approval as a condition for the organizations to receive foreign financing, making the process of licensing and registering associations very difficult.

These organizations of Saudi Arabian civil society call for the use and follow-up of the hashtag # HRC31SAUDIA to refute the claims of the Saudi government and expose the truth. Learn more about the effort here.