saudi arabia is widely accused of having one of the worst human rights records in the world. human rights issues that have attracted strong criticism include the extremely disadvantaged position of women (see women below), capital punishment for homosexuality, religious discrimination, the lack of religious freedom and the activities of the religious police (see religion below). between 1996 and 2000, saudi arabia acceded to four un human rights conventions and, in 2004, the government approved the establishment of the national society for human rights (nshr), staffed by government employees, to monitor their implementation. to date, the activities of the nshr have been limited and doubts remain over its neutrality and independence.