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AFP
Social and cultural reforms in Saudi Arabia have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, advocates state.
Dominic Raab is to push the Saudi Arabian government on its human rights record during his very first see to the country as foreign secretary.
The Foreign Workplace stated Mr Raab would “engage” with Saudi counterparts on the problem and other locations of “distinction”.
He will also discuss the “disastrous” humanitarian scenario in Yemen and efforts to end its long-running war.
Labour has actually advised ministers to end all arms sales to Saudi Arabia, a major protagonist in the Yemeni conflict.
Last summertime, the UK assured to stop approving export licences for arms to Saudi Arabia which could possibly be used in the civil war following a legal challenge by campaigners.
The UK and other Western powers are offering logistical support to a Saudi-led international union which is supporting the Yemeni federal government in its battle versus the Iranian-backed rebel Houthi movement.
The five-year conflict, seen as part of a local power battle in between Shia-ruled Iran and Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia, has actually devastated the nation and, according to the UN, claimed the lives of at least 7,500 civilians.
Ahead of his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Mr Raab stressed its enduring financial, security and intelligence ties with the UK however likewise the requirement for close co-operation on regional and global challeng