UN Scolds Saudis on Women's Rights

(Geneva, Switzerland) In a statement, the United Nations told Saudi Arabia that it must create laws to protect women from violence and also expand their rights in society.

"The lack of written laws governing private life constitutes a major obstacle to women's access to justice," said Yakin Erturk, the U.N.'s human rights expert on violence against women.

In a statement she called on Saudi Arabia to create a legal framework based on international human rights standards, including a law criminalizing violence against women.

That would also include a family law on marriage, divorce and minimum age for marriage, said the Turkish sociology professor at the end of a 10-day visit to Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally and the world's top oil exporter.

"The need to address women's rights will grow increasingly urgent as the voices of women in Saudi society are heard," she said.

Sounds good but it remains to be seen whether the Saudis will be receptive. My guess? Probably not. Of course, if international pressure continues to be directed at the issue, over the long run, there's hope.