make is about RESEARCH REPORT/STUDY GUIDE UNHRC

Country: Saudi Arabia

Delegate Name: Elien Alshamasi

School/Delegation Name: International School Hannover Region

Position

Saudi Arabia acknowledges the importance of human rights as enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, the Kingdom firmly believes that the promotion of human rights must be conducted with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. Saudi Arabia views the situation in Xinjiang through the lens of national security and counter-terrorism, recognizing that all countries have a right to safeguard their citizens from extremism and maintain social stability. Saudi Arabia opposes the politicization of human rights mechanisms, which risks undermining their credibility and being used as a tool for geopolitical competition.

Relation

Saudi Arabia has long-standing strategic, economic, and diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China, particularly in energy, trade, and infrastructure development. On July 10, 2019, Saudi Arabia along with  36 countries signed a joint UN letter supporting China’s policies in Xinjiang, highlighting Beijing’s efforts in counter-terrorism and socio-economic development. Saudi Arabia recognizes that stability in China’s western regions is essential not only for China but also for regional security and global economic progress, which Saudi Arabia views as critical to its own Vision 2030 ambitions of economic diversification and cooperation with Asian partners.

Extra Data

Saudi Arabia’s position is informed by its broader foreign policy principles of non-interference and mutual respect in international relations. According to Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the UN, the Kingdom has consistently supported development-based approaches to human rights. In Xinjiang, the OHCHR report itself acknowledges that some economic improvements have been observed, and Saudi Arabia believes that continued development and education initiatives, rather than external pressure or unilateral sanctions, are key to ensuring long-term stability and human dignity. As noted in the UN joint letter signed by Saudi Arabia in 2019, the letter emphasized that counter-terrorism measures in Xinjiang are critical to prevent radicalization, which threatens both domestic and regional security.

Proposal

Saudi Arabia proposes a balanced approach that prioritizes voluntary technical cooperation, constructive dialogue, and development-driven human rights advancement. First, Saudi Arabia calls for the establishment of a UN-China Technical Cooperation Framework, a joint working group between OHCHR and the Chinese government to periodically share best practices in education, poverty alleviation, and counter-terrorism. Second, Saudi Arabia supports a development-based resolution that encourages poverty reduction, vocational training, and women’s empowerment programs in Xinjiang, similar to Saudi Arabia’s own initiatives in the northern regions, such as the Jizan Development Program (2018-2022). Third, Saudi Arabia urges the UN to avoid unilateral investigations without China’s consent, instead advocating for regular, voluntary reporting on human rights indicators such as access to education, employment, and healthcare every 12 months. By anchoring human rights progress in development, Saudi Arabia believes the international community can foster sustainable improvements while respecting national sovereignty.