After Brussels dialogue, European Union welcomes reforms in Saudi Arabia

DUBAI: The European Union Tuesday welcomed the reforms taking place in Saudi Arabia and noted that “significant steps” have been taken to advance womenآ’s rights.
In a statement, European Action External Service, the EU’s diplomatic arm, the first-ever Human Rights Dialogue between the EU and the Kingdom held in Brussels on Monday evening offered an opportunity for detailed discussions on a wide range of topics.
“The EU welcomed the reforms that are taking place in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the socio-economic domain, and significant steps have been taken to advance women’s rights in Saudi Arabia,” said the statement.
The EU encouraged Saudi authorities to work towards achieving women’s “full enjoyment of all human rights”, according to KUNA.
The dialogue included many issues including judicial reforms, the kefala (sponsorship) system, labor laws, civil and political rights, freedom of expression, among others.
The co-chairs agreed to convene the next Human Rights Dialogue in 2022 in Saudi Arabia.
EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore led the EU Delegation. The Saudi Delegation was led by the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, Awwad Saleh Al-Awwad.