Transnational repression: a tool that extends authoritarian government’s capacity for repression

Perhaps not-so-well-known, transnational repression constitutes a threat to human rights that has been going on for decades. The phenomenon, which entails governments reaching beyond their borders to silence or deter dissent by committing human rights abuses against their nationals or former nationals, has been extensively documented by Human Rights Watch. The 2018 murder and dismemberment[…]

Saudi Arabia’s Continued Use of the Death Penalty on Minors: Unveiling Legal Loopholes and Human Rights Violations

In April 2024, the Court of Appeal in Saudi Arabia approved two death sentences for Yousif Al-Manasif and Ali Al-Mubaiouq, both Saudi nationals, who were accused of protest-related crimes allegedly committed as children. The two men were arrested between April 2017 and January 2018 for protesting against the government and ‘betraying the homeland’, a time[…]

Food Security in the GCC: Assessing the Risk of Future Shortages

Food security is described by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) as ‘’ all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”. In addition, food security is structured in four pillars, namely: 1) Availability[…]

Bahrain’s Crackdown on Pro-Palestine Activism: A Violation of Rights

In recent months, Bahrain has witnessed a distressing wave of arrests and suppression of pro-Palestine activism, prompting concerns over human rights violations and freedom of expression in the country. Reports from Human Rights Watch (HRW) have highlighted a disturbing trend where Bahraini authorities targeted individuals participating in pro-Palestine protests, including minors and online advocates. These[…]

Ahmed Mansoor: A Symbol of Struggle for Human Rights in the UAE Ahead of COP28

Ahmed Mansoor, a prominent human rights defender in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has faced relentless persecution due to his unwavering advocacy for human rights. His case stands as a distressing emblem of the struggles faced by activists in the UAE, shedding light on the challenges of championing fundamental rights in the region. Mansoor’s arrest[…]