Fear of international loss of women’s rights

The N-VA is disgusted and dismayed by the appointment of Saudi Arabia to the UN Commission on the Status of Women and demands that Belgium clearly and honestly explain its attitude during the vote. Indeed, there is still considerable uncertainty about the voting behaviour. “But there’s no doubt that the Commission’s credibility has taken a huge hit,” the party said.

Following a secret vote, Saudi Arabia now holds a seat on the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Unfortunately, the country itself doesn’t score any good points when it comes to women’s rights. There is a de facto regime of apartheid in the kingdom, between women and girls on the one hand and men on the other. The Commission, which deals among other things with sexual and reproductive rights, is losing its credibility with the appointment.

Clarity without delay about voting behaviour

Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders (MR) will neither confirm nor deny the Belgian vote for Saudi Arabia. The N-VA is justifiably shocked by the possible Belgian support for the Saudi candidacy. “We therefore want to get clarity about our voting behaviour as quickly as possible. In future, Belgium has to obtain good advice on any potential support for countries that put themselves forward as a candidate for international institutions,” the party emphasises.

Women’s rights increasingly under fire

Internationally, women’s rights are experiencing tough times. Since there were only thirteen candidates for thirteen places, a vote wasn’t even necessary. Nonetheless, the USA unexpectedly requested a vote. It is still unclear what the EU countries decided, but for the N-VA it is simple: only a collective “no” was the appropriate response in this matter. The EU countries, which emphasise the importance of human rights time and again, must shoulder their responsibility and continue to express their clear support for women’s rights. “First, there is President Trump, who is reinstating the Global Gag Rule as a result of which NGOs can only receive subsidies if they do not help women abroad get an abortion. And now, the accession of Saudi Arabia to the UN Commission on the Status of Women. This has to stop,” the N-VA concludes.