12 votes

Rahaf Alqunun granted asylum in Canada

2 comments

  1. Tanooki
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    Also hey, this site looks pretty cool!

    Also hey, this site looks pretty cool!

    1 vote
  2. FreakingPenguin
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    That is a fair point. Obviously it worked out well for Rahaf, but Saudi Arabia is notoriously bad about human trafficking. It's largely a destination country, sure, but I'm curious how many...

    In a statement late Saturday, the group’s director, Muftal al-Qahtani, slammed alleged political motives of some countries and said attempts to encourage these women to disobey their families leaves some vulnerable to abuse and trafficking [...] Al-Qahtani insisted women facing abuse in the kingdom can turn to Saudi authorities and local organizations for assistance.

    That is a fair point. Obviously it worked out well for Rahaf, but Saudi Arabia is notoriously bad about human trafficking. It's largely a destination country, sure, but I'm curious how many unreported escapees are abducted while trying to flee abuse.

    As for the second statement, Saudi Arabia seems to be working to reduce domestic violence, but the systems in place fail to provide adequate protection for women.

    [W]omen in social protection units generally are barred from leaving these facilities without a guardian or mahram to receive them. [...] The authorities continue to refuse service to women at police stations and informally request the permission of their guardians.

    So all in all, a bad situation to be in.

    Edit: Phrasing

    1 vote