Neom human rights violations

The ambitious Neom project, part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, aims to create a cutting-edge urban environment along the Red Sea coast. However, the development has faced intense scrutiny due to reports of forced evictions of local villagers, with authorities allegedly permitted to use lethal force against those resisting relocation. This has reportedly resulted in at least one villager’s death. Additionally, the construction phase has been associated with the deaths of workers, compounded by allegations of racism and misogyny within the workforce. The leadership of the project has also drawn criticism for hiring individuals previously implicated in crimes or misconduct, further fueling concerns about the project’s ethical implications and viability.

Key Issues

• Forced Evictions: The construction of Neom has necessitated the displacement of local populations, with reports suggesting that residents were removed from their homes under duress.

• Worker Safety and Deaths: There have been multiple fatalities among construction workers, raising alarms about working conditions in the harsh desert environment.

• Leadership Controversies: Executives involved in the Neom project have faced allegations of past misconduct, which has led to questions about the governance and ethical standards guiding the development.

Public Perception and Response

Despite efforts to promote Neom as a beacon of future living through social media influencers, public reception has been largely skeptical. Many have criticized the portrayal of life in Neom as overly optimistic and disconnected from the realities of the ongoing human rights issues associated with the project. As the development progresses, these violations continue to draw attention and scrutiny from international observers and human rights advocates.