Overview

Saudi Arabia executed the highest number of people on record in any given year. People were put to death for a wide range of crimes, including drug-related offences often involving foreign nationals. At least two men were executed for crimes allegedly committed when they were children. Despite a series of releases of individuals arrested for exercising their right to freedom of expression, authorities continued to severely restrict freedom of expression and association, with critics and human rights defenders facing long prison terms, grossly unfair trials, and arbitrary travel bans including for those recently released from detention. Migrant workers, including domestic workers, remained bound by the kafala (sponsorship) system and continued to face abuse, exploitation and mass deportations. Women continued to face discrimination in law and practice. Saudi Arabia failed to take adequate measures to realize the right to a healthy environment.