Belgium’s representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council, Mr. Geert Muylle, expressed his country’s concerns over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing detention of hundreds of human rights advocates, despite what he described as legislative reforms in women’s rights.
Muylle, who delivered his country’s statement under Item 2 of the HRC’s 43rd session, expressed his concern over the condition of male and female detainees and hoped they would be freed soon.
The Belgian representative stressed the importance of supporting the work of the HRC and the High Commissioner and affirmed her independence.
Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations got Belgium’s attention at the HRC, and Belgium signed two joint statements issued by dozens of countries at the Council’s 40th and 42nd sessions. At the 34th session, Belgium expressed its concern over Saudi violations, especially against human rights advocates, while during the 38th session, the Belgian representative noted that the violations undermine the claims of reform. During the 39th session, Belgium told the HRC that the violations threaten the credibility of the government’s promises.