Asked by: Mick Whitley (Labour - Birkenhead)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is (a) taking and (b) planning to take to compel the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to end human rights abuses.
Answered by James Cleverly - Home Secretary
Our close relationship with Saudi Arabia allows us to raise human rights with the Saudi authorities through a range of diplomatic channels, including Ministers, our Ambassador, and the British Embassy in Riyadh.
In September 2020, the UK signed a UN Human Rights Council statement calling for the release of all political detainees, opposing the use of the death penalty in all circumstances and calling for all those responsible for the killing of Jamal Khashoggi to be held account. On 29 November, the UK Ambassador for Human Rights and six European counterparts released a joint statement reiterating our call for the release of all political detainees, including women's rights defenders.
We expect Saudi Arabia to uphold the highest human rights standards. We will continue to raise human rights with the Saudi authorities and monitor issues of concern.
Asked by: Mick Whitley (Labour - Birkenhead)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the steps the Government is taking to promote human rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Answered by James Cleverly - Home Secretary
Our Annual Human Rights & Democracy Report highlights the human rights situation around the world and the role we have played. Constructive engagement on issues helps develop mutual understanding and supports change. We have seen some positive changes including to the Kafala (migrant) system, reforms to the laws on the use of the death penalty against minors and on women's rights. We continue to raise - both publically and privately - human rights cases of concern. In order for the UK to act as a force for good, we must operate from a platform of engagement and influence.