American diplomats were informed last fall about the use of lethal force by Saudi border guards against African migrants attempting to enter Saudi Arabia from Yemen. In December, United Nations officials presented more detailed information to the diplomats, revealing that Saudi security forces were shooting, shelling, and abusing migrants, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Despite having knowledge of these events, American officials have not publicly condemned Saudi Arabia’s actions. However, they have raised the issue with their Saudi counterparts and requested an investigation.
These revelations about the Saudi border killings coincide with President Biden’s efforts to improve relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. While tensions had previously risen due to Saudi Arabia cutting oil production, declining to support Western sanctions on Russia, and engaging in a years-long war in Yemen, recent discussions have centered around Saudi Arabia establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. In exchange, the Saudis have requested security guarantees, more weaponry, and assistance with a nuclear energy program from the United States. President Biden may have a conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the upcoming G20 summit in India.
Members of Congress, particularly Democrats, have raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its involvement in the Yemeni conflict. This criticism may lead to doubts about selling more arms to Saudi Arabia or collaborating on a civilian nuclear program, which some fear could serve as a cover for a nuclear weapons program.
Details of the killings at the Saudi border were shared with U.S. officials by United Nations representatives, including the U.S. Ambassador to Yemen. The violence has been well-documented by aid workers and human rights groups, who report migrants being shot and killed while crossing into Saudi Arabia. The actual number of deaths is believed to be significantly higher than official reports suggest.
There are several factors that contribute to limited international response and accountability for these killings. In war-torn regions like Yemen, aid workers must be cautious not to upset the rebels who control northern Yemen or their financial supporters, which may include Saudi Arabia. Human rights violations also tend to take a backseat in diplomacy with wealthy partners like Saudi Arabia. The remote location of the killings, inaccessible to journalists and independent observers, further hinders attention and action.
This lack of attention can also be attributed to donor and public fatigue with Yemen’s lengthy conflict, as well as the fact that the migrants involved are unlikely to reach Europe. However, human rights organizations have been tracking threats to migrants from East Africa for years, as they make dangerous journeys across the Gulf of Aden to Yemen with hopes of reaching Saudi Arabia for work and safety.
Although Western governments grapple with how to address Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses, there is hope that increased public scrutiny will lead to improvements. The Saudi government has previously denied the allegations and called for more detailed information. The attention brought by organizations like Human Rights Watch and the United Nations may push for greater respect and protection of migrants in the future.
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