Saudi Arabia's UN ambassador, Abdulaziz Alwasil, has been elected as chair of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

The election was by acclamation in New York, supported by a group of Asian countries.

The country's history of women's rights violations, including imprisonment of women's rights activists, contrasts with the Commission's goals.

The appointment received no opposition from the 45 member countries, raising concerns about the Commission's credibility and effectiveness.

Human rights organizations and media have expressed shock and criticism over the decision, urging Saudi Arabia to improve women's rights.

There are calls for potential cuts in UN funding from Western countries due to the perceived contradiction with UN principles.

The incident has sparked a broader debate on the influence of political agendas within the UN's handling of human rights issues.