Side event on United Arab Emirates in UN: Human Rights in the UAE under lights

The aim of this meeting on the human rights situation in the UAE is to present the flagrant violations committed against prisoners of conscience and their relatives. It also mentions migrant workers and other vulnerable groups.

Ms. Safwa Aissa, the president of the International Center for Justice and Human Rights gave examples of repressive practices in the United Arab Emirates as cases of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance of a number of Emiratis and foreign activists.

In addition, to the repressive practices of the authorities in the UAE's right of the wives of prisoners who are victims of administrative obstacles and discrimination because of the absence of their husbands. This situation is not conformed to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence against Women (CEDAW), which the UAE has ratified.

Ms. Safwa Aissa concluded by Aisha Hussein al-Jabri case which prevent to her the UAE’s authorities to complete university education only she’s the daughter of political prisoner, Hussein al-Jabri, which is a flagrant violation of the rights of the child.

Ms. Nemar said that most of these persons were judged because they were the lawyers of the victims of violations, in the Country.

She also said that they followed these cases concerning the arbitrary arrest in 2013 (see the link in the website about the arbitrary detention of victims and violations of their rights).

Ms. Nemar concluded that they need a real balance in their approach to conclude with national authorities and civil society. Fundamental rights of victims must be more respected. These States, which violate human rights, need to be criticized.

Mr. Omamitalked about foreigners prisoners in Libya. He mentioned HRW and Amnesty International’ reports which focused on the UAE’s context.

He recognized that there were fears behind the economic success and terrorism war. Recent examples, Iraq Syria and Libya show that. The situation is what we see now.

The public image, war against terrorism and economic success, seems to be fake when we know the real situation of individuals faced to national law.