ITUC-Africa hails exclusion of Saudi Arabia, Russia from UN Human Rights Council

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has praised the decision to exclude Saudi Arabia and Russia from membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The outcome, determined by a vote at the UN General Assembly, is seen as a significant victory for human rights, justice and accountability, following intense global campaigns by civil society and human rights defenders.

The exclusion of Saudi Arabia is especially impactful given the country’s poor track record on human and labour rights, particularly concerning the treatment of African migrant workers.

Thousands of African workers in Saudi Arabia have long suffered under the oppressive kafala (sponsorship) system, facing widespread abuse, including forced labor, passport confiscation, delayed or unpaid wages, denial of trade union rights, excessively long working hours without compensation and other forms of mistreatment.

In addition to labour rights violations, many African workers in Saudi Arabia endure arbitrary arrests, detentions, deportations and even death under suspicious circumstances. Denied access to justice, they remain vulnerable to a range of human rights abuses.

ITUC-Africa has consistently condemned Saudi Arabia’s labour practices, describing them as clear violations of fundamental human and workers’ rights, especially for African migrants.

The decision to exclude Saudi Arabia from the UN Human Rights Council sends a powerful message that countries engaging in such egregious violations cannot expect to hold positions of influence within international human rights bodies, the union said.

The exclusion of Russia further reinforces this message. ITUC-Africa noted that Russia’s human rights violations, ranging from the suppression of civil society and media to involvement in conflicts that result in the loss of innocent lives, have also contributed to the international community’s decision. The targeting of trade unionists and human rights defenders in Russia only adds to the gravity of the situation.

ITUC-Africa views this outcome as a major victory for coordinated action by civil society, including the global trade union movement. “The exclusion of both Saudi Arabia and Russia from the UN Human Rights Council is a clear triumph for multilateralism, the rule of law and those who tirelessly defend human and labour rights across the world,” the organisation stated.

In particular, ITUC-Africa expressed determination to continue advocating for the rights of African migrant workers. “We are resolutely committed to ensuring that Saudi Arabia reforms its labour laws and practices to provide genuine protection for all migrant workers, especially those from Africa,” the organisation emphasised. ITUC-Africa reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring that black lives and the dignity of African workers are respected globally.

Looking forward, ITUC-Africa pledged to intensify its efforts in advocating for labour reforms in Saudi Arabia and beyond. “We will take our campaign to all spaces and processes at every level to ensure that the voices of African workers are heard and their rights are upheld,” the organisation added.

The exclusion of Saudi Arabia and Russia serves as a reminder of the growing reputational risks for countries that remain silent in the face of such abuses. ITUC-Africa called for ongoing vigilance and sustained global action to hold states accountable for human and labour rights violations. It also urged the international community to continue pressuring countries with poor human rights records to make substantive changes.

ITUC-Africa further expressed its solidarity with human rights defenders and labour rights activists who continue the fight for justice and dignity for workers around the world, particularly those in vulnerable situations. “We stand with all those who, through their efforts, bring us closer to a world where the rights of all workers are respected and upheld.”

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