News - World: This weekend's Group of 20 (G20) summit is set to kick off in Saudi Arabia amid questions over the kingdom's human rights record and under the ever-present shadow of the COVID-19 crisis. The EU follows “very closely” the situation of human rights in Saudi Arabia, European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said ahead of an upcoming virtual G20 summit to be hosted by Saudi Arabia.

Responding to a question at a news conference whether the EU leaders will raise Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, von der Leyen said: “We also follow the people defending fundamental rights, including women’s rights and individual rights. So this is an ongoing topic and a very serious topic. Many human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, urged the G20 leaders to speak up against human rights violations in Saudi Arabia.
Amnesty International on Thursday released a statement urging the leaders to demand the immediate release of five jailed women rights activists in an upcoming virtual summit to be hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Human Rights Watch also expressed its regret for holding this summit because “at a time when brave women are subjected to torture because of their peaceful activities, the Saudi government seeks to assert itself on the international stage as a reform force.” 

Recently, 45 members of the US Congress, in an open letter, urged President Donald Trump’s administration not to participate in the G20 summit in Riyadh “unless Saudi Arabia immediately takes measures to improve its human rights record.” 

The Committee for Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid in the German Parliament expressed its deep concern about the human rights situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where “selective social reforms have taken place, including the limited liberalization of women’s rights and the economic restrictions placed on them.” The committee also criticized “political restrictions and prosecution of opponents who demand protection of human rights and democratic reforms.”
For the Saudi prince, the G20 may not be easy. In Argentina, Human Rights Watch has filed a lawsuit against Mohammed bin Salman for “supposed participation” in the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In fact, only US President Trump is standing by the prince, as he doubts bin Salman’s guilt.

Source: Agencies