UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
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UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission

The United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a Saudi-drafted resolution aimed at enhancing child protection in the digital realm, a move rooted in a global initiative launched by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The resolution, introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the UN and international organizations in Geneva, seeks to advance the goals of the Kingdom’s “Child Protection in Cyberspace” initiative.

It aims to translate the initiative’s vision into concrete action through enhanced technical cooperation and capacity building.

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, presented the draft during the Council’s 59th session under Agenda Item 10, which focuses on technical assistance and capacity development.

The proposal received broad support and was adopted by consensus, with co-sponsorship from Kuwait, Algeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam.

Addressing the Council, Khothaila stressed that the digital space has become an integral part of children’s lives, offering immense opportunities for learning and connection, while also exposing them to growing risks.

He underscored the need for stronger international cooperation, national capacity building, and technical support to reinforce national frameworks aimed at child protection.

The resolution reflects the core objectives of the Crown Prince’s initiative, including fostering international cooperation, sharing best practices, raising awareness, and equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills to ensure a safer digital environment for children.

It also highlights the importance of tailoring technical assistance to the specific needs and priorities of each country, with the aim of building sustainable national capacities and enhancing communities’ ability to respond to digital threats facing children.

The resolution underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting global cooperation for a secure and inclusive digital space for children worldwide, in line with its leadership role and pioneering efforts in cybersecurity and child protection.



Abdullah bin Zayed, Araghchi Discuss US-Iran Agreement

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (WAM)
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (WAM)
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Abdullah bin Zayed, Araghchi Discuss US-Iran Agreement

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (WAM)
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (WAM)

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss regional developments following the conclusion and signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.

He stressed the importance of full commitment to the agreement's provisions to enhance security and stability across the region.

During the call, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed underscored the need for an immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities, respect for the sovereignty of states and the principles of good neighborliness, and strict adherence to international law.

The UAE foreign minister also stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime routes and freedom of international navigation, including ensuring the uninterrupted flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

He expressed hope that the ongoing negotiations would yield positive outcomes that contribute to lasting security and stability in the region.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed further emphasized that serious diplomacy and responsible dialogue remain the optimal path to addressing regional and international crises in a way that fulfills the aspirations of the region's peoples for prosperity and development.


Saudi Arabia: Palestinian Cause Remains Central to Any Serious Vision for Regional Security

A view of the Gulf-Mediterranean Summit in Rome, attended by officials, diplomats, and experts. (SPA)
A view of the Gulf-Mediterranean Summit in Rome, attended by officials, diplomats, and experts. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia: Palestinian Cause Remains Central to Any Serious Vision for Regional Security

A view of the Gulf-Mediterranean Summit in Rome, attended by officials, diplomats, and experts. (SPA)
A view of the Gulf-Mediterranean Summit in Rome, attended by officials, diplomats, and experts. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia stressed that the region is undergoing a profound strategic transformation that requires new approaches to security and stability, emphasizing that the Palestinian cause remains central to any serious vision for regional security.

The remarks came during the Gulf-Mediterranean Summit, titled Strategic Dialogue for Stability and Economic Cooperation, held in the Italian capital, Rome, with the participation of officials, diplomats, and experts from the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Middle East, and Europe.

Representing the Kingdom, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Manal Radwan said the region's strategic restructuring requires comprehensive frameworks for dialogue, cooperation, and collective security rather than policies based on hegemony or military force alone.

Radwan warned that the continued humanitarian deterioration in the Gaza Strip, the expansion of Israeli settlements and annexation efforts in the West Bank, and the erosion of final status issues, foremost among them Jerusalem, undermine prospects for both regional and international stability.

She stressed that the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state, must form the foundation of any future political process. She added that ending the occupation and holding Israel accountable for its violations are essential prerequisites for achieving a just peace and sustainable regional security.

Radwan also underscored the importance of respecting state sovereignty, refraining from interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and ending attempts to weaken or undermine state institutions. She further highlighted the need to safeguard freedom of navigation, the security of maritime routes, and global supply chains.

The Saudi official also called for strengthening the Gulf-European partnership to address shared challenges in energy, the digital economy, and strategic infrastructure.

Concluding her participation, Radwan said that meaningful progress requires coordinated collective action and a cohesive regional and international partnership capable of addressing the root causes of crises while advancing security, stability, and development across the region.


Saudi Arabia Urges UN Action to Protect Children in Conflict Zones

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Urges UN Action to Protect Children in Conflict Zones

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia told the UN Security Council that protecting children in armed conflicts is a shared global responsibility requiring concerted efforts to address its root causes and repercussions.

Delivering the Kingdom's statement, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Abdulaziz Alwasil emphasized that Saudi Arabia prioritizes children's rights in conflict zones based on the noble principles of Islamic Sharia.

Alwasil highlighted Saudi Arabia's continuous support for global civilian protection through humanitarian and relief projects implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.

These initiatives span more than 90 countries, providing essential aid to those affected by conflicts and disasters without discrimination.

Addressing the situation in the Gaza Strip, the Kingdom stated that the ongoing crisis constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and shared human values.

The statement called for urgent international action to stop the tragedy, protect children, and hold those responsible for these grave violations accountable, while reiterating Saudi support for all international efforts aimed at achieving security and stability.