On 15 March 2021, Norway called on Saudi Arabia to protect human rights.
In her speech within the framework of the work of the fourth item of the session, the representative of Norway, Ms. Tine Mørch Smith, stressed that Saudi Arabia must take measures to ensure transparency, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary.
Norway had criticized Saudi Arabia’s policies before the Council several times in previous sessions. For example, it called on Saudi Arabia in March 2020 to allow freedom of opinion and expression, and has previously demanded the protection of human rights defenders, journalists, and activists.