Overview

Human rights defenders and others exercising their rights to freedom of expression and association were subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention, unfair trials leading to lengthy prison terms, and travel bans. Despite some limited labour reforms migrant workers, in particular domestic workers, continued to be subjected to forced labour and other forms of labour abuse and exploitation, and lacked access to adequate protection and redress mechanisms. Thousands of people were arrested and deported to their home countries, often without due process, as part of a government crackdown on individuals accused of violating labour, border and residency regulations. Saudi Arabia carried out executions for a wide range of crimes, including drug-related offences. Courts sentenced people to death following grossly unfair trials. Women continued to face discrimination in law and practice. Saudi Arabia failed to enact measures to tackle climate change and announced plans to increase oil production.