UN Authority Figures

U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development: Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, 6 Sept. 2007 Sri Lankan domestic worker Anista Marie, 40, who since 1999 hasn't received her salary. "Marie called up Arab News saying she has been imprisoned and abused in the home of her sponsor for the past decade. She was rescued at a villa...in Riyadh, about 12 km from the city center." (Arab News)

Mission of the Commission on Sustainable Development: "...to promote dialogue and build partnerships for sustainable development with governments, the international community and the major groups identified in Agenda 21 as key actors outside the central government who have a major role to play in the transition towards sustainable development. These Major Groups include women, youth, indigenous peoples, non-governmental organizations, local authorities, workers and trade unions, business and industry, the scientific community, and farmers" (Commission on Sustainable Development web-site, "Mandate of the Commission on Sustainable Development")

Term of office: 2011-2014 (re-elected April 28, 2010)

Saudi Arabia's Record on human rights:
"Women...may not legally drive cars, and their use of public facilities is restricted when men are present. By law and custom, Saudi women cannot travel within or outside of the country without a male relative...[D]aughters receive half the inheritance awarded to their brothers, and the testimony of one man is equal to that of two women in Sharia courts...[A]llegations of torture by police and prison officials are common, and access to prisoners by independent human rights and legal organizations is strictly limited...There continues to be virtually no protection for the more than six million foreign workers in Saudi Arabia. Many of these laborers...are forced to endure dangerous working and living conditions. There continue to be public reports of female domestic workers suffering regular physical, sexual, and emotional abuse...Substantial prejudice against ethnic, religious, and national minorities prevails." (Freedom House Country Report 2009, Saudi Arabia)