UAE Human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor on hunger strike to protest poor prison conditions and unfair trial

United Arab Emirates (UAE) human rights defender, Ahmed Mansoor, is on a hunger strike in order to protest poor prison conditions and his unfair trial, both of which are not in accordance with international standards. Mansoor’s hunger strike, coupled with the undesirable prison conditions, are concerning as they may severely compromise his health. The hunger[…]

UAE-sponsored display at HRC40 cannot compensate for ongoing human rights abuses

During the 40th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sponsored an exhibit speaking out against child sexual abuse and online harassment and purporting to highlight the role of interfaith dialogue in defending victims. While this exhibit attempts to demonstrate steps the UAE has taken to address[…]

Analysis: Bahrain’s Insufficient Response to the Allegation Letter Published by UN Experts on Human Rights Violations

Find our previous statement on the allegation letter sent to Bahrain on Human Rights Violations in the Mass Trial of the Zulfiqar Brigades here. On 5 November 2018, five UN experts sent an allegation letter to the Kingdom of Bahrain to address the human rights violations in connection to the mass trial of the “Zulfiqar[…]

Proposed Rights Restrictions on US Arm Sales could affect Saudi and Emirati Action in Yemen

On 25 March 2019, Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Dick Durbin (D-lL) introduced a bi-partisan bill (S.854) that would halt US arm sales to countries that “engage in human rights abuses, commit war crimes, or have ties to extremist groups.” If passed, this bill would significantly impact the trajectory of the war in Yemen, a[…]

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar: human rights violations, workers exploitation and corruption

In December 2010, Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup. This is the first time in history that an Arab country will host the Cup– the world’s premier sporting event. In order to prepare for it, Qatar is spending an estimated US$100 billion to shore up existing infrastructure and build new infrastructure, including airport, roads,[…]