Human Rights Watch: Over 1,300 Pilgrims Die, Saudi Authorities Bar Unauthorized Individuals from Using Public Facilities

Human Rights Watch confirmed that over 1,300 pilgrims died this year during the Hajj in Mecca due to extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. These deaths, caused by heat stress, could have been prevented with stricter protective measures, especially for the elderly and disabled. The organization urged Saudi authorities to adopt measures to protect pilgrims, migrant workers, and citizens from increasing heat risks due to climate change, particularly with Saudi Arabia’s plans to increase the number of pilgrims and implement large projects like Vision 2030.

The organization added that harsh weather conditions exacerbated the situation, noting that high temperatures pose a significant threat to the health and safety of pilgrims, especially amid climate change, which increases the frequency of severe heat waves. Human Rights Watch emphasized the need for effective preventive measures to avoid such disasters in the future.

Human Rights Watch also reported that Saudi authorities have been preventing unregistered pilgrims from using public facilities such as air-conditioned tents, water misting points, transportation, and water drinking stations. They noted that the high official costs of Hajj are a primary factor behind the increase in unregistered pilgrims.

The organization called for improved medical infrastructure and increased awareness of heat risks among pilgrims, along with the provision of adequate shade and cooling facilities in sacred sites. It stressed the importance of enhancing international cooperation to address health challenges associated with a changing climate.