International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Strengthening Equal Treatment in Employment

On 21 March, the international community observes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day highlights global efforts to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin and to promote equality before the law.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) works to prevent discrimination in employment and promote equal opportunities across the labor market, strengthening fair employment practices in the Kingdom. Strengthening equal treatment in employment also supports the objectives of Vision 2030, which seek to build a competitive and inclusive labor market that enables individuals to contribute to national development.1

The National Policy for Promoting Equal Opportunities and Equal Treatment in Employment and Profession provides a national framework to prevent discrimination and ensure equal treatment in the workplace. The policy applies to government entities, private-sector establishments, and the third sector. It defines discrimination in employment, including distinctions based on race, color, or national origin. It also establishes principles to ensure that recruitment, wages, and promotion are based on qualifications and performance, while employees have equal access to training opportunities and fair working conditions. Implementation is supported through awareness initiatives, monitoring mechanisms, and procedures for receiving and addressing complaints related to discrimination in the workplace.

Legislative reforms have strengthened these protections. Amendments to the Labor Law prohibit discrimination in hiring and employment practices, including discrimination based on race or national origin, and reinforce equal treatment in recruitment, wages, promotion, and working conditions.3 The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development oversees the implementation of these measures and works with relevant entities to promote awareness, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and ensure access to complaint procedures.

These measures also align with Saudi Arabia’s international commitments, including International Labour Organization Convention No. 111 concerning discrimination in employment and occupation. 4 They further support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 10 on Reduced Inequalities, Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. 5

On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to preventing discrimination in employment and promoting equal treatment across the labor market. HRSD is advancing this commitment through the National Policy for Promoting Equal Opportunities and Equal Treatment in Employment and Profession, including awareness initiatives and mechanisms to monitor its implementation.

 Footnotes

1. United Nations General Assembly, International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Resolution 2106 (XX), adopted 21 December 1965.

2. Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, National Policy for Promoting Equal Opportunities and Equal Treatment in Employment and Profession in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

3. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Labor Law, issued by Royal Decree No. M/51 (2005), as amended by Royal Decree No. M/134 (2019).

4. International Labour Organization, Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111).

5. United Nations General Assembly, Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Resolution A/RES/70/1 (2015).