In its second consecutive bid, Saudi Arabia failed to secure a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2025-2027 term, during elections held by the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. The election process involved selecting 18 new members from 19 candidates across five regional slates, with Saudi Arabia competing as part of the Asia-Pacific group. Despite efforts, the kingdom garnered only 117 votes, placing sixth among six candidates vying for five available seats. This marks its second failed attempt after an unsuccessful bid in 2020. For further details on the election, refer to the Jurist coverage.
Concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record significantly influenced member states’ voting decisions. Human Rights Watch had previously criticized the kingdom, citing recent reports of severe rights abuses. Notably, a report documented mass killings of Ethiopian migrants by Saudi border guards, actions that Human Rights Watch suggested could constitute crimes against humanity. These incidents have cast a long shadow over Saudi Arabia’s human rights standing, complicating its UN aspirations.
Tess McEvoy, Programme Director at the International Service for Human Rights, commented on the election outcome, emphasizing the importance of competitive elections at the UN. She noted that, for the third consecutive year, States acted upon their choice by voting down candidates with troubling rights records, thereby resisting the influence of powerful actors in shaping human rights processes to their advantage. This sentiment echoes the calls made by Louis Charbonneau, UN director at Human Rights Watch, who labeled Saudi Arabia as “unfit to serve on the Human Rights Council.” More insights about Saudi Arabia’s human rights issues can be found here.