Saudi Arabia: U.N. calls on Saudi Arabia to end practice of polygamy

The situation of women in Saudi Arabia came under renewed international scrutiny last year when a rape victim was sentenced to lashes and jail time for being in a car with a man who was not her relative. The woman was later pardoned by Saudi's King Abdullah.

Saudi Arabia's strict interpretation of Islamic law gives men and women different rights with respect to education, marriage and participation in public life.

Not all of the restrictions are based on formal laws, but customs such as the prohibition on women driving are nevertheless widespread for cultural reasons.

Saudi officials told the committee last month that the kingdom was taking measures to address numerous issues, from domestic violence to promoting education and job opportunities for women.

But the officials said the country would not be able to adhere to a number of aspects of the U.N. charter because they run contrary to Islamic Sharia law, which is the basis of all legislation in the country.

Under Sharia law, men are permitted to have up to four wives, and gay relationships are forbidden.

The U.N. panel said Saudi Arabia should clarify whether it accepts that international law takes precedence over domestic legislation, and ensure that the protection of women is firmly enshrined in the country's constitution and everyday court decisions.

The U.N. special investigator for violence against women, Yakin Erturk, is due to visit the kingdom from Feb. 4-13 to gather information about violence against women in the country.

1 February 2008