Subject: Urgent Appeal to Withdraw from the Cup 28 Summit Due to UAE’s Involvement
Dear President of the Foreign Affairs Committee
We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you on behalf of the Washington Center for Human Rights, a leading organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Our mission is rooted in the fundamental belief that all individuals deserve dignity, freedom, and justice.
Today, we bring forth a matter of utmost urgency and moral significance. It pertains to the upcoming Cup 28 Summit and the participation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in this event. We implore you, as the esteemed Presidency of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to take a strong stand against the UAE’s involvement and advocate for the withdrawal of your esteemed committee from this summit. Allow me to present our compelling case for this crucial action.
The United Arab Emirates, despite its global image as a progressive and modern nation, has an alarming track record of human rights abuses that cannot be ignored or trivialized. The UAE has consistently violated internationally recognized human rights standards, stifled dissent, and suppressed freedom of expression within its borders. Numerous reports by reputable human rights organizations have documented these grave violations.
One of the most alarming aspects of the UAE’s human rights record is its systematic targeting of human rights defenders, activists, and journalists who dare to speak out against the regime’s abuses. For instance, the case of Ahmed Mansoor, a prominent Emirati human rights activist, serves as a poignant example. Mansoor has been arbitrarily detained since 2017, facing an unfair trial and enduring inhumane treatment in prison. His courageous efforts to shed light on human rights violations have been met with relentless persecution.
Moreover, the UAE’s involvement in the conflict in Yemen has raised serious concerns about its respect for international humanitarian law. The coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with the UAE playing a significant role, has been implicated in numerous violations, including indiscriminate airstrikes, targeting civilians, and impeding humanitarian aid. The devastating impact of this conflict on the civilian population, particularly children, has been extensively documented by the United Nations and humanitarian organizations.
In addition, the UAE has consistently demonstrated a disregard for labor rights, with reports of exploitative working conditions and the systemic abuse of migrant workers. The kafala system, which ties workers’ legal status to their employers, facilitates exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking. The tragic deaths and appalling living conditions faced by many migrant workers have exposed the gross human rights violations perpetuated by the UAE’s labor practices.
By participating in the Cup 28 Summit alongside the UAE, your esteemed committee risks lending legitimacy to a nation with a well-documented history of human rights abuses. It is essential to consider the long-term implications and moral repercussions of such an association. As representatives of a country that upholds the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights, it is incumbent upon you to uphold these principles and distance yourself from entities that blatantly violate them.
We urge you to prioritize human rights and justice over any perceived political or economic benefits. By withdrawing from the Cup 28 Summit, your committee would send a powerful message to the UAE and the international community, highlighting the imperative nature of human rights and the unwavering commitment of your committee to these universal values. This action would not only reaffirm your dedication to human rights but also inspire others to hold the UAE accountable for its actions.
We recognize the complexity of diplomatic relations and the intricacies involved in international summits. Nevertheless, it is precisely during such moments that principled decisions are crucial. It is our collective responsibility to denounce human rights abuses and actively work towards a world where all individuals can live with dignity and freedom.
In conclusion, we implore you, as the esteemed Presidency of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to demonstrate moral leadership and take a bold stance against the UAE’s involvement in the Cup 28 Summit. Stand with human rights defenders, victims of abuse, and all those who seek justice and equality. The Washington Center for Human Rights stands ready to support your committee in this endeavor and collaborate in any way possible to ensure that human rights remain at the forefront of global discussions and actions.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We eagerly anticipate your decisive action and look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to address these pressing human rights concerns.
Sincerely,
Washington Center for Human Rights