On March 21, 2025, Americans for Democracy and human rights in Bahrain delivered an intervention during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council. In its intervention under Item 5, ADHRB highlighted the alarming situation of Emirati human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor.
We draw the Council’s attention to the alarming situation of prominent human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor, whose unjust 15-year prison sentence was recently upheld by an Emirati court for his peaceful activism and cooperation with UN mechanisms.
Mansoor faced an unfair trial based on fabricated charges related to his communication with the UN and international human rights organizations. He endured physical assault, death threats, and constant surveillance to prevent him from personally engaging with UN mechanisms. His tweets about his participation in international conferences and his correspondence with human rights organizations were used as evidence against him.
Since his arrest in 2017, Mansoor has been held in solitary confinement, denied family visits, essential supplies, and even eyeglasses. According to UN rapporteurs, these conditions amount to inhumane treatment and torture.
We demand Ahmed Mansoor’s immediate and unconditional release and urge the Council to take urgent action to protect human rights defenders in the UAE.
