A/HRC/25/3
19.
Saudi Arabia added that in recent years numerous governmental and nongovernmental initiatives have been adopted to create employment opportunities for both
genders, as illustrated by wage subsidization programmes, telecommuting, part-time
employment, productive family programmes and training programmes for the national
labour force aimed at increasing its productivity.
20.
With regard to health care, Saudi Arabia stated that primary health-care centres, as
well as medical cities and specialized teaching hospitals, have been established.
21.
Saudi Arabia has shown concern for social welfare by supporting needy families and
providing assistance through programmes targeting all sections of society, especially
persons with disabilities.
22.
Saudi Arabia stated that it is preparing other periodic reports for presentation to the
treaty bodies. Special Rapporteurs and other mandate holders have already been received,
and the Kingdom is eager to continue this cooperation with them.
23.
Saudi Arabia highlighted that it increased its contribution in support of OHCHR
from US$ 150,000 to US$ 1 million annually for a five-year period effective from 2012.
Saudi Arabia also contributed US$ 1 million to the United Nations Entity for Gender
Equality and the Empowerment of Women.
24.
Saudi Arabia reiterated that a Memorandum of Understanding on technical
cooperation has been signed with OHCHR to enhance the capacities of the Kingdom’s
officials in this field.
25.
Saudi Arabia informed that, in 2011, it signed an agreement with the United Nations
to establish an international counter-terrorism centre (United Nations Counter-Terrorism
Centre) and donated $110 million to fund the centre’s operations.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
26.
During the interactive dialogue, 102 delegations made statements.
Recommendations made during the dialogue can be found in section II of the present
report.
27.
Uganda noted the consultation with civil society, the ratification of conventions and
the increased enrolment of girls at all educational levels.
28.
Ukraine commended accession to a number of international human rights
conventions and noted progress in promoting women’s advancement in labour market,
access to education and political participation.
29.
United Arab Emirates noted the high importance given to the protection of
children’s rights through activities, programmes and initiatives carried out by the National
Committee on Children. It asked if the definition of children would be extended to all laws.
30.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland expressed
disappointment that Saudi Arabia has not implemented recommendations from the previous
UPR cycle. It regretted Saudi Arabia’s failure to meet treaty body reporting deadlines and
the lack of access for several Special Rapporteurs.
31.
The United States of America noted the “Protection Against Abuse” legislation but
expressed concern about employer abuses of foreign workers. It raised concerns about
restrictions on freedoms of association, religion and expression, and the lack of due process
in security-related cases.
32.
Uruguay highlighted the recent accession to international instruments, the gradual
legislative process and cooperation with OHCHR.
5
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