The Neom project, a futuristic eco-city planned by Saudi Arabia, has come under fire for alleged human rights violations and environmental damage. Reports have emerged that Saudi forces were instructed to use lethal force to clear the land for the project, leading to the deaths of several people.
Alleged Human Rights Violations
However, there are growing concerns over the human rights implications of the project. According to reports, Saudi forces were ordered to use any means necessary to clear the land for the project. This has led to the deaths of people, including the local Huwaitat tribe, who have inhabited the region for generations.
The Huwaitat Tribe’s Opposition
The Huwaitat tribe has opposed the Neom project, arguing that it will destroy their way of life and cause irreversible damage to the environment. The tribe has already seen its land confiscated and its members forcibly relocated to make way for the project.
Concerns over the Neom project’s environmental impact are also present. The area where the city is being built is home to several endangered species, including the Arabian leopard and the green sea turtle. The city’s construction is expected to damage the local ecosystem and lead to the extinction of these species.
Calls for an Immediate Halt
In response to these concerns, human rights groups and environmental organizations have called for a halt to the Neom project. They argue that the project is a clear violation of human rights and will cause irreparable environmental damage.
The Neom project aims to create a high-tech, sustainable city in Saudi Arabia’s northwestern region. The country’s Vision 2030 plan seeks to diversify the economy from oil and create new opportunities for its citizens. The city is expected to cover an area of 10,000 square miles and be powered entirely by renewable energy.
The Neom eco-city project in Saudi Arabia has raised serious concerns over human rights violations and environmental damage. Reports of forced killings and the displacement of indigenous people are alarming and must be addressed by the Saudi government. The Neom project must be carried out in a way that respects human rights and the environment, and the concerns of local communities must be taken into account.
Source: BBC
