The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been criticized by human rights organizations for its poor human rights record. The country has a history of arbitrarily detaining individuals, restricting freedom of expression, and using torture and other forms of ill-treatment. Discriminatory laws also target women, migrant workers, and the LGBTQ+ community.
The recent joint statement issued by human rights organizations ahead of COP28 highlights the ongoing human rights abuses in the UAE. The statement calls on the international community to use this opportunity to pressure the UAE to improve its human rights situation. The statement is a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring that human rights are respected and protected, especially in the context of climate change.
One example of the UAE’s poor human rights record is the case of Ahmed Mansoor, a human rights defender who was sentenced to ten years in prison for peacefully expressing his views online. Mansoor has been subjected to torture and solitary confinement during his detention, and his health has been severely impacted as a result. His case is just one of many examples of the UAE’s disregard for freedom of expression and its harsh treatment of those who speak out against the government.
Another example is the UAE’s treatment of migrant workers, who make up a large portion of the country’s workforce. Migrant workers are often subject to exploitative working conditions, including long hours, low pay, and the confiscation of their passports. They also face barriers to accessing healthcare and other basic services. In addition, there have been reports of migrant workers being subjected to physical and sexual abuse.
The discrimination faced by women in the UAE is also a major concern. Women are subject to strict gender segregation laws, and there are limits on their participation in the workforce and political life. Women who report cases of domestic violence or sexual assault may face arrest and imprisonment for engaging in extramarital sex.
The UAE’s poor human rights record is not limited to its treatment of specific groups, but extends to its disregard for basic human rights principles. For example, the UAE uses its cybercrime laws to silence dissent and restrict freedom of expression. The laws are overly broad and vague, allowing authorities to prosecute individuals for simply expressing their opinions online.
The international community must take action to pressure the UAE to improve its human rights record. This could include imposing targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights abuses, raising the issue in international forums such as the UN, and providing support to human rights defenders and civil society organizations in the country. The UAE must also take concrete steps to address the ongoing human rights abuses in the country. This includes releasing all prisoners of conscience, ending the use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment, and amending discriminatory laws that target marginalized groups.
As we approach COP28, it is important to remember that climate change and human rights are interconnected. Climate change is already exacerbating existing human rights challenges, such as displacement and food insecurity. As a host of this important global event, the UAE must demonstrate a commitment to protecting human rights and promoting sustainable development. The international community has a responsibility to hold the UAE accountable for any human rights abuses and to demand that it takes action to improve its human rights record.
In conclusion, the Washington Center for Human Rights calls on the international community to take action to address the ongoing human rights abuses in the UAE. The UAE must take concrete steps to improve its human rights record, and the international community must hold it accountable for any violations. The UAE’s poor human rights record is a cause for concern not just for its citizens and residents, but for the entire world. Failure to act now could have serious consequences for human rights and the global fight against climate change.