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13 Women Have Been Appointed to Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Council

Shahad Salman

Saudi Arabian Shahad Salman model photographed by Dan Beleiu for Vogue Arabia

In a recent reshuffling of the Human Rights Council (HRC) of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom has appointed 13 women as members. The new appointments were announced in a royal decree issued by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz to form the Human Rights Council for its fourth four-year term.

This move means half the positions on the commission’s council will be now occupied by women, not only giving them equal representation with men but also furthering the Kingdom’s women empowerment. It will also see a great impact on the Kingdom’s mission to promote human rights for citizens as well as Saudis.

Dr Awwad bin Saleh Al Awwad, head of the HRC remarked, “Appointing 13 women as members of the HRC council, with a total of 26 members, is in line with efforts made by the Kingdom’s leadership to enable women to occupy leading positions in various fields, and helps achieve what is best for the country.” Al Awwad also thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for issuing the royal decree as well as their guidance and support in the promotion of human rights throughout the Kingdom.

Also Read: A Photo of This Female Saudi Royal Guard is Evoking Pride on Social Media

King Salman

King Salman, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

The full-time members of the HRC now include Ibrahim Al Batti, Dr. Amal Al Habdan, Dr. Al Jawhara Al Zamel, Dr. Khouloud Al Katheeri, Zuhair Al Zoman, Dr. Sarah Al Abdul Karim, Salma Al Rabee, Dr. Sherifa Al Rajeh, Douha Al Ibrahim and Dr. Abdulaziz Al Qaeid, Abdul Rahman Al Shabraqi, Dr. Ghafoon Al Yami, Mohammad Al Nujaidi, Dr. Mashari Al Naiim, Dr. Nasser Al Muhaizei, Dr. Hind Khalifa, Dr. Hind Al Sheikh, and Walid Al Yahya.

These appointments are a part of the many sweeping reformations the Kingdom has seen over the past few years in uplifting the role of women in society. From the removal of the driving ban on women in June 2018, to allowing women to travel or obtain a passport without permission from a male guardian, Crown Prince Mohammed who is also the Kingdom’s deputy prime minister and minister of defense, has been taking several steps in modernizing the Kingdom.

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