‘Disappointment’ is expressed in a statement to the UN humanity council after the host nation refuses to amend its restrictive legislation.
After the United Arab Emirates declined to amend its repressive laws, the United Kingdom has urged one of its close Gulf allies to explain how it can ensure free expression surrounding the UN Cop28 climatic summit in Dubai.
The rejection followed a four-yearly UN evaluation of the UAE’s performance on human rights.Since the United Kingdom has been one of the UAE’s closest allies, it is uncommon for London to express any disapproval of the government or royal family.
The UK asserted its belief that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right in a declaration made at the UN human right council (HRC) in Geneva. We are sad that the UAE did not heed our advice to protect the right to freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and the right to assemble in a peaceful manner in accordance with the principles of international human rights law. We ask them to share how they would guarantee these rights to UAE citizens, residents, and tourists both now and in the future when the UAE hosts Cop28.
In reply to a letter from over 200 civil society organizations concerned that they will be silenced at the summit, the UAE and the UN jointly released a statement in August in which they broadly committed to upholding free expression.
All visitors to Cop28 would be allowed to “assemble freely and make their thoughts heard in designated areas,” according to a later statement from the UAE.The statement read, “The UAE ranks as one of the world’s most tolerant and diverse countries, and the UAE’s constitution protects the right to exemption from discrimination.”
Amnesty International criticized the joint UAE-UN statements at the time for being vague, and it appears the UK the government is also looking for more guarantees.
Amnesty International’s regional coordinator for the region’s Middle East and Northern Africa, Heba Morayef, stated: “It is still unclear what exactly the UAE government officials will permit, and whether attendees will be able to hold a public demonstration, as has typically been done during the middle the weekend of Cop sessions in the host city.
“The space set aside for protest at the preceding Cop gathering in Egypt last year was completely inadequate, and the gathering had been preceded by a wave of violence and arrest by security forces.”
The UN stated: “There will be spaces accessible to climate activists to come together safely to make their voices heard.” in the joint statement the UAE and the UN released in August, which made the summit inclusive a guarantee.