Amnesty International USA has called on President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address urgent human rights issues during the Crown Prince’s White House visit. Emphasis is placed on the ongoing concerns related to freedom of expression, women’s rights, and accountability for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
White House Visit Sparks Calls for Human Rights Dialogue
As reported by Amnesty International USA in their official
press release dated November 2025, the organisation urged President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to use the White House meeting as an
opportunity to tackle longstanding human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia.
Amnesty USA emphasised the critical need for progress on issues such as the
crackdown on dissent, treatment of women, and the unresolved case of the murder
of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Amnesty International Highlights Key Issues
The Amnesty International USA report highlighted several
pressing issues:
- Freedom
of Expression: The organisation stated that Saudi Arabia continues to
imprison and harass activists, lawyers, and critics who peacefully express
their opinions. Amnesty USA called for the immediate release of all
individuals detained solely for exercising their right to free speech.
- Women’s
Rights: Amnesty International noted that despite some reforms,
women’s rights in Saudi Arabia remain severely restricted. The Crown
Prince was urged to further dismantle the guardianship system and promote
gender equality in law and practice.
- Accountability
for Jamal Khashoggi's Killing: Amnesty International stressed the
importance of transparency and justice in the case of Jamal Khashoggi, who
was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. The organisation
demanded full accountability for all responsible parties.
Statements from Amnesty International Officials
An Amnesty International spokesperson said,
“The White House visit is a pivotal moment for the US administration to firmly raise human rights concerns with Saudi Arabia’s leadership. Constructive dialogue should lead to concrete actions that improve the rights and freedoms of all people in the Kingdom.”
Context of US-Saudi Relations
The visit occurs amid a complex backdrop of strategic,
economic, and security relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Media sources including Reuters and Associated Press have noted that while
security cooperation remains vital, human rights have increasingly become a
focus in public and diplomatic discourse.
Responses from the White House and Saudi Officials
According to Reuters coverage dated November 2025, the White
House has expressed a commitment to raising human rights issues during the
discussions with the Crown Prince. Saudi officials have reiterated their
commitment to reform but also called for a focus on mutual interests such as
counterterrorism and regional stability.
International Observers’ Perspectives
As reported by BBC News, international human rights groups
have broadly welcomed the inclusion of human rights topics in the agenda but
remain cautious about the pace and sincerity of reforms in Saudi Arabia. The
BBC highlighted that activists continue to face restrictions, and some reforms
have been symbolic rather than substantive.
The White House meeting between President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stands as a critical juncture for addressing significant human rights concerns. Amnesty International and other watchdogs insist on tangible progress in transparency, justice for victims, and enhancement of basic freedoms in Saudi Arabia.