During the joint statement at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, nearly two dozen European countries have evidently raised concerns of Saudi rights record. On September 23, they discussed the reported torture, unlawful detentions and unjust trials which include many women activists and journalists in Saudi Arabia. This was the second joint statement by the council in six months. The first criticism of human rights in Saudi Arabia happened in the forum in March. 

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Statement by Western countries 

In the new statement by the Western countries, they urged the Saudi authorities to prove the truth behind the murder of the journalist, Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in October in order to ensure investigation of those who were responsible. Countries that signed the statement were all the fifteen European Union members including Britain and Germany along with Canada, New Zealand and Peru. However, reportedly, France, Italy, and Spain did not sign. This joint statement also acknowledged the reforms made in Saudi Arabia like the restrictions on rights of women travel which will be removed.

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Reportedly, Australia's ambassador has expressed concerns over the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia. He further said that the civil society actors in Saudi Arabia still face intimidation. Moreover, the delegations were concerned with the reports of torture nad disappearances that violate the human rights of the people along with their families. The United Nations expert, Agnes Callamard spoke on the extrajudicial executions happening worldwide. According to Callamard, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman along with other senior officials should be investigated evidently as per the reports he received in June. 

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Saudi response

Even though there was no immediate response by the Saudi delegation which is a part of the 47 member states of the United Nations rights council. The Kingdom's delegation was allegedly absent from the room when the statement was read out to the members. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has repeatedly denied all accusations of torture and unjust detention that are allegedly happening in the country. Furthermore, on Callamard's allegations of involvement of Saudi Crown Prince and the need to investigate based on a report, a minister in Riyadh purportedly rejected the report. The Saudi minister believes that the report has nothing except the baseless allegations. 

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(With agency inputs)