European Human Rights Monitor urges EU to pressure Saudi Arabia to end Hajj restrictions

As the holy month of pilgrimage begins, the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor has urged the European Union to put pressure on Saudi Arabia to lift the imposed conditions for the arrival of Qatari pilgrims within its borders for Hajj this year. 

In a letter to Jan Figel—the European Union Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion outside the Union—the Geneva-based Monitor pushed for immediate intervention to halt the crisis of pilgrims. They explicitly urged that Saudi Arabia should be put under pressure for politicising the holy right of every Muslim, using it as a potential tool for political gain.

The Monitor noted that the Saudi restrictions on pilgrims go against the principles of the European Union, and highlighted the envoy’s mission to ensure freedom of worship.

The Monitor pointed out the unacceptability of using religious rites and rituals to attain political goals or manipulate political opponents, emphasising the need to put pressure on the Saudi government to lift its restrictions.

These concerns are not unfounded. Saudi Arabia may have opened its border to Qatar’s pilgrims, but by limiting their travel to Saudi airlines, banning money transfer through Saudi banks, the absence of a Qatari consulate in Jeddah, and creating other logistical problems, the authorities have all but ensured that performing Hajj is well-nigh impossible for them. 

In fact, yesterday, the Qatari Hajj Committee issued a statement apologising to Qatari pilgrims who are being denied performing the holy pilgrimage due to these difficulties and restrictions. The blockade continues.