On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia's attempt to secure a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council fell short, marking the Kingdom's second rejection since it first sought membership in 2020.
Appointment to a three-year term on the commission is decided by election from the 193-member U.N. General Assembly. This year, the Saudis lost in the only competitive regional selection when members of the Asia-Pacific group fielded six nations vying for five vacancies.
Finishing seven votes behind the Marshall Islands, Riyadh failed to qualify against a candidate list that also included Cyprus, Qatar, South Korea, and Thailand.
Saudi Arabia’s aspiration drew criticism from human rights organizations, which have frequently accused the autocratic regime of persecuting dissidents, migrants, religious minorities, and women’s rights advocates.
The decision follows initiatives by Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman aimed at transforming the country’s image into one that is more tolerant and aligned with Western values.
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