Position Paper

Delegation: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
Topic: Children Protection and Rights
Date: March 10, 2025

I. Introduction

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the protection and promotion of children’s rights as a fundamental pillar of our national development and Islamic values. Guided by the principles of compassion, justice, and family unity enshrined in Sharia law, Saudi Arabia views the well-being of children as essential to building a prosperous and stable society. We recognize that children worldwide face unprecedented challenges—including poverty, exploitation, conflict, and digital threats—requiring collective global action.

Saudi Arabia aligns itself with international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which we ratified in 1996, while emphasizing that implementation must respect cultural, religious, and national contexts. Our delegation seeks to advance children’s rights through practical, inclusive solutions that empower states to protect their youngest citizens without compromising sovereignty or imposing uniform standards that disregard diversity.

II. National Background and Position

Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in safeguarding children’s rights, reflecting our Vision 2030 agenda to create a vibrant, equitable society. Domestically, we have enacted robust policies, including the Child Protection Law (2014), which criminalizes abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and established the National Family Safety Program to provide support services. Our education system ensures free access for all children, with a 99% primary enrollment rate by 2025, while healthcare initiatives have reduced child mortality rates to 6.2 per 1,000 live births. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in digital literacy and online safety programs to shield children from emerging cyber threats.

As a regional leader, Saudi Arabia has supported humanitarian efforts to protect children in crisis zones, providing over $500 million in aid to Yemen since 2015, much of which targets child welfare. We also host the King Abdullah Humanitarian Foundation, which funds child-focused projects across the Islamic world. However, we remain concerned about the politicization of children’s rights discourse, where external pressures sometimes overlook the unique socio-cultural realities of developing nations.

Saudi Arabia believes that protecting children requires a holistic approach that addresses root causes—such as poverty, conflict, and inequality—rather than superficial interventions. We advocate for state-led initiatives supported by international cooperation, rejecting any framework that undermines parental authority or national jurisdiction over family matters.

III. Proposed Solutions

Establishment of a Global Child Protection Partnership (GCPP)

Saudi Arabia calls for a UN-backed GCPP to facilitate resource-sharing, technical assistance, and best-practice exchange among nations. This partnership would prioritize capacity-building in developing countries, enabling them to establish child protection systems tailored to their cultural and economic contexts, with funding from voluntary contributions by member states.

Regional Child Safety Frameworks

Recognizing regional disparities, Saudi Arabia proposes the creation of regional task forces under the UNHRC to address specific threats to children, such as trafficking in the Middle East, child soldiers in Africa, or online exploitation in Asia. These task forces would coordinate with local governments and NGOs to ensure context-sensitive responses.

Economic Empowerment to Reduce Vulnerability

To tackle the root causes of child exploitation, Saudi Arabia advocates for a UN-led initiative linking child protection to poverty alleviation. This would include microfinance programs for families, vocational training for youth, and subsidies for education, reducing the economic pressures that lead to child labor or trafficking.

Digital Safety and Awareness Campaign

In response to growing cyber threats, Saudi Arabia proposes a global “Safe Digital Childhood” campaign, supported by UNESCO and UNICEF. This initiative would develop age-appropriate online safety curricula, train educators, and partner with tech companies to create protective tools, ensuring children thrive in the digital age.

Protection of Children in Conflict Zones

Saudi Arabia urges the international community to strengthen enforcement of existing resolutions, such as UN Security Council Resolution 1612, to protect children in armed conflicts. We propose a monitoring mechanism to hold violators accountable and increased humanitarian funding for displaced children, drawing on our own contributions as a model.

IV. Conclusion

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains dedicated to advancing the rights and protection of children, both within our borders and globally, in accordance with our cultural values and international obligations. We believe that effective solutions must empower nations, respect diversity, and address systemic challenges through cooperation rather than confrontation. Saudi Arabia stands ready to collaborate with all delegations to forge a future where every child is safe, educated, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Signed,
Delegate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
United Nations Human Rights Council