Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri

Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri has been president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, with the rank of minister, since September.

Al-Tuwaijri, who was previously secretary-general of the Family Affairs Council from 2017, replaces Awwad Alawwad, who is now an adviser to the Royal Court.

Al-Tuwaijri told Arab News she welcomed the trust that had been placed in her, and said she would seize the opportunity to give back to the nation.

“My career has been crowned and honored by this great country and our wise leadership, who celebrated women, elevated their status, and paved the way for their advancement,” she said.

Of her new role, Al-Tuwaijri said: “Saudi Arabia has made great and honorable strides in the field of human rights, and the testimony of just countries and organizations is the best proof.”

The Kingdom’s refusal to discriminate against illegal residents during the COVID-19 pandemic was “the subject of admiration for many,” she said.

Al-Tuwaijri served as the head of the Women’s Empowerment Team at G20 Riyadh.

She gained a bachelor’s degree in English literature in 1998, a master’s degree in English literature/drama in 2004, and, in 2011, a Ph.D. in American literature/drama — all from King Saud University.

She joined KSU’s staff as a lecturer in 2004 and also worked as an assistant professor of English literature at the university.

Al-Tuwaijri was appointed vice chair of the department of English language and literature at KSU in 2012 and was vice dean of the university’s College of Arts from 2013 to 2015.