Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern nation with a population of over 33 million people. It is one of the wealthiest Arab countries, and is ruled by the House of Saud monarchy. The kingdom has established itself as one of the world’s major oil-producing nations, exporting millions of barrels per day. It is also an important regional hub for international trade, transportation, and tourism. Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia is plagued by numerous human rights violations, including its oppressive laws against LGBTQ people and women’s rights. In recent years, the country has sought to reform its human rights practices and economic policies, but progress has been slow.
On the political front, Saudi Arabia is ruled by the absolute monarchy of the House of Saud. Much of the country’s government is controlled by the royal family, and the government is highly secretive about its internal operations. Political dissent is rarely tolerated and the government has used force to suppress dissenters. Furthermore, many non-governmental organizations have reported that the Saudi government has committed human rights abuses in its prisons, such as torture and arbitrary detention.
In the early 21st century, Saudi Arabia experienced a major shift in its economic and social policies. Saudi society and economic activity went through dramatic changes, such as a surge in the sale of cars, the opening up of business ownership to foreign investors, and more expansive entertainment options for the public. These policy changes were led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who succeeded his father as the nation’s ruler in 2017. He implemented a series of economic reforms, known as Vision 2030, which seek to modernize the country’s infrastructure and drive greater private sector development.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is facing severe international criticism for its oppressive human rights policies. The country’s reputation has worsened due to its involvement in the Civil War in Yemen, as well as reports of its use of torture and ill-treatment of civil society activists and religious minorities. Additionally, the country’s regressive laws criminalizing homosexuality and its continued discrimination against women remain a major stumbling block for Saudi Arabia’s international reputation.
Saudi Arabia is also facing heightened levels of regional insecurity and threats from its rival Iran. In 2019, Iranian-backed forces in Yemen launched a series of drone and missile attacks on Saudi oil facilities, further worsening the tensions between the two countries. Furthermore, the Saudi-led coalition’s military intervention in Yemen has spurred a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and tens of thousands of civilians killed.
Today, Saudi Arabia is at a crossroads. The country is looking to modernize its economic and social policies while also dealing with regional security threats, international condemnation of its human rights record, and ongoing turmoil in Yemen. Despite its vast wealth and generous public spending, the kingdom faces major challenges in the years ahead.
Human Rights in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has a long history of human rights violations that include suppression of political dissent, the mistreatment of migrant workers, and strict laws that restrict the rights of women and the LGBTQ community. Women in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to drive, travel alone, or even leave the house without a male guardian. Women in Saudi Arabia are also subject to gender segregation, further limiting their rights and freedoms.
The Saudi government continues to enforce its regressive laws such as the ban on LGBTQ rights and protections for victims of sexual assault. The stringent conditions for obtaining a visa to enter the country further exacerbates the plight of Saudi Arabia’s LGBTQ citizens, as they are often denied the right to travel. Furthermore, the country’s laws criminalize apostasy, which often targets religious minorities such as Christians, who are often imprisoned for practicing their faith.
In 2017, Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on women driving, but women’s rights activists have been targeted and arrested for their campaigning efforts. The government has also been accused of silencing dissidents, including the disappearance and alleged murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Human rights watchdogs and international organizations, such as the United Nations, have called on the Saudi government to end its human rights violations and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Economic Modernization in Saudi Arabia
Reforms introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his reign as de facto monarch have ushered in a new era of economic modernisation in Saudi Arabia. Under Vision 2030, the country has sought to reduce its dependence on oil and diversify the economy, promoting industries such as renewable energy, technology, and tourism. The government has also been encouraging foreign investment, with recent reports indicating that Saudis now control 80 percent of the kingdom’s private sector.
In addition, the government has sought to expand its socio-cultural activities, such as cinema and music. This has been part of an effort to attract foreign talent and extend the country’s appeal to younger generations. The government has also focused on initiatives to improve citizens’ quality of life, such as providing free healthcare, education, and housing. These measures have enabled Saudi Arabia to further integrate itself into the global economy.
The current modernization process is also set to bring a significant shift in the country’s labour regulations. Lawmakers have proposed laws that emphasise worker rights, including protections for wage and social security benefits. Additionally, the government has launched several initiatives to create jobs for Saudi citizens, as well as to recruit and retain expatriate workers.
Despite its sweeping economic reforms, Saudi Arabia’s economy still remains dependent on oil revenues. This has proved to be a major challenge for Vision 2030, as the country has experienced a slump in oil prices due to global oversupply. The government’s plans to privatise state-owned entities, such as Saudi Aramco, have also faced obstacles. Plus, the government has continued to operate with an austerity budget, making it difficult for new reform initiatives to take effect.
Environmental Challenges in Saudi Arabia
The oil-rich nation of Saudi Arabia is a major contributor to global carbon emissions and air pollution, which has caused an environmental crisis in the country. The country has experienced devastating sand and dust storms in recent years, as well as high temperatures and an increase in drought and desertification. Additionally, air pollution levels in Saudi cities are some of the highest in the world, and the burning of oil and gas has further worsened the air quality.
The government has taken steps to address the environmental crisis, such as introducing taxes on carbon emissions and banning certain single-use plastics. The government has also launched several initiatives to promote renewable energy, such as solar power plants and a wind energy project. Despite these efforts, Saudi Arabia still has a long way to go in dealing with its environmental challenges.
Currently, the country faces criticism for its continued drilling activities in the Red Sea, which have accelerated the process of erosion and endangering the coral reefs. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has been accused of promoting environmental regulations that contradict the International Atomic Energy Agency’s standards. As the nation seeks to become an environmental model in the region, it is important for the government to put greater focus on its environmental policies.
Problems Faced by Migrant Workers in Saudi Arabia
Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia are subjected to various human rights abuses, such as non-payment of salaries, violations of labour laws, and inhumane working conditions. Many of these workers are hired without proper documentation, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation. In addition, some foreign workers suffer from racial discrimination, a lack of access to healthcare, and low wages.
In recent years, the government has implemented reforms to improve the working conditions of migrant workers. These include laws that give migrant workers greater protection against exploitation, as well as laws that make it easier for them to obtain valid visas or change jobs. Additionally, the government has launched initiatives to ensure the payment of wages and improve the safety of foreign workers.
Despite these strides, there is still much work to be done to protect the rights and reduce the exploitation of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. Non-governmental organizations have called on the government to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the recruitment of foreign workers and to protect those who are not properly documented. The government should also increase penalties for employers who violate labour laws and provide assistance to vulnerable workers.
Conclusion of the Situation in Saudi Arabia
Today, Saudi Arabia is a country in transition. The nation is undergoing major economic and social reforms, while also struggling to meet its human rights obligations and reduce its environmental footprint. Despite these challenges, the government has taken steps to address major issues within the country and is seeking to modernize its economy and society. It remains to be seen whether the current reforms will be able to bring about lasting change or if they will ultimately prove to be too little too late.
thailandiqos