Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of freedom of expression while maintaining public order and upholding society’s morals at a session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Dr. Hala AlTuwaijri, head of the Kingdom’s Delegation and President of the Human Rights Commission, highlighted key principles and commitments, stating that freedom of expression should not be used to disrupt public order, compromise national security, jeopardize public health, violate public morals, infringe upon the rights of others, or propagate war or incite hatred.
The Kingdom is dedicated to achieving the highest global standards in promoting and protecting human rights, grounded in fundamental principles and values with a commitment to prioritizing human beings above all else. Dr. AlTuwaijri emphasized that equality, dialogue, cooperation, impartiality, objectivity, and transparency should be the pillars for international interactions and joint work among countries in the field of human rights.
Dr. AlTuwaijri further stated that the Kingdom has positively engaged with recommendations and cooperated with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism to demonstrate its commitment to human rights. The Kingdom’s approach involves upholding international human rights laws while maintaining its own laws and values, respecting the rights and reputations of others, and avoiding incitement of hatred that leads to discrimination, hostility, or violence.
The speech emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between freedom of expression and societal order, highlighting the responsibility to ensure that expression does not harm public health, national security, or public morals. This approach aligns with international human rights laws and reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights at the highest global standards.
Overall, Dr. AlTuwaijri’s speech underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to human rights principles and values, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, dialogue, and transparency in international interactions related to human rights. The Kingdom’s proactive engagement with recommendations and commitments to upholding human rights laws demonstrate its commitment to promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and equality for all individuals.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s speech at the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to balancing freedom of expression with the maintenance of societal order and the upholding of morals. The Kingdom’s dedication to achieving the highest global standards in human rights protection and promotion, as well as its positive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing human beings above all and upholding fundamental principles of equality, cooperation, and transparency in the international arena.