Third Committee: Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Topic A: Violence against women in developing nations

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest shrines in
Mecca and Medina. In the interest of the advancement of the kingdom, King Abdullah, the Custodian of
the Two Holy Mosques, has continued with a cautious reform program begun when he was crowned
prince. The king instituted an interfaith dialogue initiative in 2008 to encourage religious tolerance on a
global level; in 2009, he reshuffled the cabinet, which led to more moderates holding ministerial and
judicial positions, and appointed the first female to the cabinet. To promote increased political
participation, the government held elections nationwide in September 2011 for half the members of 285
municipal councils. Also in September, the king announced that women will be allowed to run for and
vote in future municipal elections and serve as full members of the advisory Consultative Council.

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently taken strong action to punish those who commit
violence against women and allow more women to report such offences without fear of repercussions.
The "Protection from Abuse" law, approved by the cabinet on August 26, 2013, offers women protection
from abuse as well as social, psychological, and medical aid. The kingdom has often faced international
criticism for lacking laws protecting women from abuse, but this new law remedies this pressing need.
Under it, those found guilty of committing psychological or physical abuse could face prison sentences of
up to one year and up to $13,300 in fines. In addition, the law gives those who report abuse the right to
remain anonymous, as well as immunity from litigation should abuse fail to be proven in a court. It also
urges witnesses to report abuse without having to disclose their identity.

It is every countrys duty to protect women, the lifeblood of the nation, and Saudi Arabia is
committed to being a leader in the Middle East on this issue. However, such progressive action of the
behalf of women should not be imposed upon individual states by the international community. The UN
can, and should, encourage states to protect women, but the cultural rights of these states come first and
should not be impeded on by sanctions or foreign directives. Action to resolve this issue should come
through the education and empowerment of women. Social and legislative change will follow, as it did in
Saudi Arabia, offering lasting security for women.