28/09/2021 (Agence Europe) – The European Union and Saudi Arabia held their first ever Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels on Monday 27 September. According to a European External Action Service press release dated 28 September, the EU expressed its concerns over human rights, including “the overall restrictive environment regarding civil and political rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and freedom of religion or belief”. Welcoming the “important” steps that have been taken to advance women’s rights, the EU encouraged Riyadh to work towards a situation where women could enjoy all human rights. She also called for a moratorium on the death penalty and the ratification of key international treaties on human rights and employment rights. (CG)