Saudi Arabia chosen to chair UN Commission on Women's Rights. A controversial decision, given the living conditions of Saudi women.
Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil was elected by acclamation at the Commission's annual meeting in New York. The country is not the first to arouse controversy within the commission. Iran's choice for its presidency in 2021 had already sparked protests in the U.S. and other countries.. The appointment was made without opposition from the other members of the Commission. When the outgoing president, Philippine envoy to the United Nations Antonio Manuel Lagdameo asked the 45 members if they had any objections, silence reigned in the chamber.