Washington, D.C. – The Washington Center for Human Rights expresses its deepest concern and unequivocally denounces the recent tragic incident of a Lebanese man who lost his life while in the custody of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities. This incident highlights the urgent need for the international community to address the systemic human rights violations taking place within the UAE, and the Washington Center for Human Rights calls upon the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to take immediate action to halt these gross violations of human rights.
The death of the Lebanese man in UAE custody is not an isolated incident but rather represents a pattern of abuses and disregard for fundamental human rights within the UAE. This tragedy underscores the alarming absence of transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law in the Emirati justice system. It is a grim reminder of the perilous conditions faced by countless individuals detained by UAE authorities, as well as the desperate need for urgent international intervention to safeguard the lives and dignity of those affected.
The Washington Center for Human Rights firmly believes that every individual, regardless of their nationality, deserves to be treated with dignity and to have their basic human rights protected. The custodial death of this Lebanese man demonstrates a flagrant violation of these principles and highlights the urgent need for the international community to act decisively.
We call upon the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to take the following steps:
- Immediate Investigation: We urge the relevant authorities of the UAE to conduct a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the Lebanese man. This investigation must be carried out by impartial individuals with expertise in human rights and must hold accountable those responsible for any wrongdoing. The investigation should include a comprehensive examination of the conditions of detention, treatment of detainees, and the circumstances leading to the tragic death.
- Accountability and Justice: The Washington Center for Human Rights demands that the UAE authorities hold accountable all individuals involved in the mistreatment and death of the Lebanese man. Impunity for such grave violations only perpetuates a culture of abuse and enables further human rights violations. It is crucial that those responsible are brought to justice and that victims and their families receive appropriate reparations.
- Human Rights Monitoring: We call upon the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to establish a robust human rights monitoring mechanism to oversee the situation in the UAE. This mechanism should have unrestricted access to detention facilities, ensuring regular visits and interviews with detainees, and provide regular reports on the human rights situation in the country. The presence of independent monitors is essential to deter abuses, protect detainees, and shed light on the overall human rights situation.
- Diplomatic Pressure: The Washington Center for Human Rights urges the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to exert diplomatic pressure on the UAE government to cease all forms of human rights violations and ensure the protection of individuals in custody. The international community must make it clear that continued abuses will have severe diplomatic consequences. It is incumbent upon these nations and organizations to use their influence to effect change and hold the UAE government accountable for its human rights obligations.
- Support for Civil Society: We call upon the international community to provide increased support to civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and advocates within the UAE. These individuals play a crucial role in documenting violations, assisting victims, and working towards a more just and rights-respecting society. They face significant risks and obstacles in their pursuit of justice, and it is imperative that they receive the necessary resources and protection to carry out their important work. Support should include capacity building, training, legal assistance, and advocacy tools to strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of civil society organizations operating within the UAE.
Furthermore, the Washington Center for Human Rights urges the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to engage in constructive dialogue with the UAE government, emphasizing the importance of upholding international human rights standards. The promotion of human rights should be an integral part of diplomatic engagements, trade negotiations, and bilateral relations with the UAE. It is crucial to use diplomatic channels to raise concerns, provide recommendations, and encourage the UAE to implement necessary reforms to ensure the protection of human rights for all individuals under its jurisdiction.
Moreover, the Washington Center for Human Rights encourages the international community to explore targeted sanctions and restrictions on individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses within the UAE. These measures can send a strong message that the international community will not tolerate violations of human rights and can serve as a deterrent against further abuses.
In addition to immediate actions, the Washington Center for Human Rights recognizes the importance of long-term efforts to promote a culture of respect for human rights in the UAE. This includes supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the independence of the judiciary, strengthening legal frameworks to align with international human rights standards, and promoting awareness and education on human rights principles among government officials, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
The Washington Center for Human Rights stands in solidarity with the victims of human rights abuses in the UAE and reiterates its commitment to working tirelessly to expose such violations and hold perpetrators accountable. We urge the international community to prioritize the protection of human rights in the UAE and to work collectively towards ending these grave abuses.