The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has said it is steadfast in combatting poverty both internationally and domestically, out of its sense of responsibility.
In a meeting on the role of alleviating poverty in the promotion and protection of human rights, within the framework of the 46th session of the Human Rights Council, a member of the Saudi delegation in Geneva, Mohanad Al-Basrawi, said that his country is proactive in extending a helping hand to countries, referring to programs to combat poverty and provide material support for families.
ESOHR notes that the previous special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights issued a report on 24 April 2017, asserting that there is a discrepancy between Saudi Arabia’s words and deeds. After his visit to Saudi Arabia, the special rapporteur expressed the need for citizens to participate in decision-making. However, this has not happened, despite the lapse of nearly four years since the visit.
Regarding the Coronavirus pandemic and its effect on increasing poverty rates, Saudi Arabia said it has taken measures to fight the pandemic and protect citizens from its effects, and that these measures have affected citizens, residents, and even violators of the residency system.
ESOHR has previously monitored restrictions in Saudi Arabia involving the Bidoon (stateless residents) due to Coronavirus measures. The government’s programs to regulate movement and entry into public places have prevented the movement of the Bidoon because of their statelessness and lack of any legal documents.