57th Session of the Human Rights Council – Arbitrary Detention UAE
I speak today on behalf of Emirati human rights defenders who are arbitrarily detained after successive unfair mass trials.
For over a decade, the authorities have targeted human rights defenders with fabricated terrorism charges simply for advocating constitutional democratic reforms.
It is essential that the recommendations of the Working Group are implemented without delay, including:
- Remedying the situation of the individuals who are arbitrarily detained
- Ensuring compensation and reparations
- Holding accountable those responsible for violating their rights
- Amending legislation that allows the extension of sentences already served which violates the principle of legality and non-retroactivity
- Encouraging all States to cooperate with the Working Group
For too long, the Emirati authorities have ignored previous recommendations and failed to implement necessary reforms. They continue to disregard basic legal principles, as evidenced by the most recent mass trial in July 2024, which resulted in sentences ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment.
The situation in the UAE has deteriorated sharply, marked by a persistent lack of cooperation and worsening conditions for detainees.
Detainees need immediate protection and should be released.
Source :
ITEM 3 GENERAL DEBATE
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1d/k1duohukrk Time : 2:51:37
Item 3: General debate on promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development
National Human Rights Institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations