HRW to the EU: Human rights concerns cannot be ignored in UAE

In a letter to the European Union, Human Rights Watch called on the European bloc EU to reconsider its new partnership with the Gulf countries, mainly Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Throughout the region, human rights defenders, activists, and perceived critics continue to suffer severe and pervasive state repression, the letter reads.
"We believe it is imperative that the Communication highlights the poor human rights situation among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, and that it clearly states an EU commitment to address those concerns, linking progress in bilateral relations to specific human rights benchmarks, particularly with regards to freedom of expression, freedom of association, human rights defenders, women’s rights, children’s rights, labor rights, arbitrary detention and torture."
The letter also pointed to the unlawful Saudi and UAE-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen. 
The letter called on the EU clearly, publicly, and unequivocally acknowledge the serious human rights concerns in GCC countries, being as specific as possible.