The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: Human Rights Abuses in Saudi Arabia with Joey Shea
May 18, 2025
Joey Shea, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, sheds light on the harrowing treatment of Ethiopian migrants at the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border. He discusses a chilling report detailing the use of explosive weapons by Saudi border guards and systemic abuses. The conversation also critiques international responses, particularly the U.S. government's inaction, and calls for independent investigations into these violations. Shea emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and reevaluation of U.S.-Saudi relations, given the deteriorating human rights landscape under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
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Saudi Violence Against Migrants
- Saudi border guards have used explosive weapons and close-range shooting against Ethiopian migrants at the Yemen border.
- Such systematic killings could constitute a crime against humanity if part of Saudi policy.
Widespread Border Abuses
- Human Rights Watch found that abuses at the Saudi-Yemen border are systematic and widespread.
- They focused on two migrant camps and documented related burial sites growing over months.
Disputed Responses to Report
- Saudi Arabia denied Human Rights Watch allegations without detailed rebuttal.
- Ethiopia pledged an investigation with Saudi Arabia, but details remain unclear.