Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The question down for me is about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia. I will answer any other supplementary questions arising from it.

The nature of the Saudi state, as an absolute monarchy with a legal system based on Islamic Sharia, means it is wholly different from the rights-based culture and legal system of western countries. While the overall human rights situation in Saudi Arabia leaves a great deal to be desired, it can on one level be considered less oppressive than many other states in the region whose laws might, in theory, provide greater human rights protection.

Many of the human rights issues in the kingdom stem from the deep conservatism of Saudi society and the application of Sharia, rather than being attributable solely to its Government. King Abdullah, perceived by many externally as a reformist ruler and active advocate for women’s rights, has been mindful of the fierce opposition to change from conservative religious and tribal leaders. Top down reforms have therefore been cautious, modest and gradual.

Despite some positive developments in recent years, such as the establishment of a human rights commission and the appointment of women to the kingdom's consultative council, human rights issues remain contentious. Some of the most important human rights problems reported include citizens’ lack of the right to change their government; restrictions on the right to freedom of expression, assembly and religion; and a lack of equal rights for women, children and expatriate workers. Other human rights problems reported include use of the death penalty, abuses in detention and arbitrary interference with privacy. Capital punishment is imposed without adequate safeguards and sentences are often carried out in a cruel way and in public. Lack of government transparency and access unfortunately make it difficult to assess accurately the magnitude of many reported human rights problems.

Ireland remains committed to raising human rights concerns with Saudi Arabia through bilateral contacts, as well as through the European Union and the United Nations.

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