Is the UAE’s Detention of an Activist a Stumbling Block for COP28?

Calls for the Release of Ahmed Mansoor Ahead of COP28

Background

A coalition of 19 human rights groups has called on the United States government to pressure UAE authorities to release Emirati human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor ahead of the COP28 climate conference in Dubai. Mansoor has been arbitrarily imprisoned since 2017 and has faced intimidation, harassment, and death threats from UAE authorities. As the UAE hosts the upcoming climate conference, his release would signal an intent to facilitate an open and free civic space during the event.

A Shocking Silence

The US government’s silence in response to Mansoor’s imprisonment has been criticized by human rights organizations. The opportunity to publicly and privately pressure Emirati authorities to release Mansoor should not be missed, especially as the UAE seeks to improve its international image prior to the COP28 conference. Joey Shea, the UAE and Saudi researcher at Human Rights Watch, states, “Washington should use this opportunity… to publicly and privately pressure Emirati authorities to end the unjust imprisonment of a peaceful human rights defender.”

UAE‘s Closing Civic Space

Since 2011, the UAE has increasingly restricted civic space in the country, criminalizing peaceful expression, association, and assembly. Mansoor’s arrest and imprisonment fall within this broader context. The charges he faced were solely based on his advocacy for human rights, including communication with organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. The UAE‘s state news agency accused Mansoor of spreading false news to harm the reputation of the state.

A History of Arbitrary Detention

Ahmed Mansoor has been held in solitary confinement without access to reading materials, TV, or radio since his arrest. Over the years, he has been denied basic necessities such as eyeglasses, personal hygiene items, and even a bed or mattress in his cell. These conditions violate the prohibition against torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. UAE authorities consistently deny subjecting Mansoor to such treatment and refuse to allow independent observers to visit him.

Broader Human Rights Concerns

In addition to Mansoor, at least 62 Emiratis are arbitrarily detained, with 58 of them being held beyond their sentences. Most of these prisoners were convicted on baseless counterterrorism charges as part of the “UAE94″ mass trial of government critics, which violated their human rights. The release of Mansoor and other human rights defenders would signal a commitment to providing civil society with the space to freely exchange ideas, promote government accountability, and represent marginalized populations during the COP28 conference.

Analysis and Editorial

Protecting Human Rights and Addressing Climate Change

As the world faces the pressing crisis of climate change, it is crucial that human rights are not sidelined or ignored. The COP28 climate conference provides an opportunity for countries and international actors to come together and address the urgent need for climate action. However, any progress made on the climate front must also be accompanied by a commitment to protect human rights, including the release of human rights defenders like Ahmed Mansoor.

By holding the COP28 conference in Dubai, the UAE is signaling its intent to take a leading role in confronting climate change. However, the country’s record on human rights, particularly the closing of civic space and the arbitrary detention of activists and critics, raises concerns about its commitment to fostering an open and inclusive environment for dialogue and collaboration.

A Key Moment for the US

The United States plays a significant role in promoting human rights and has the opportunity to exercise its influence to advocate for the release of Ahmed Mansoor. The joint letter from human rights groups calling on the US government to publicly pressure the UAE authorities is a crucial step in holding the UAE accountable for its human rights record.

The condemnation of Mansoor’s imprisonment and the call for his release should not be limited to the period leading up to the COP28 conference. It is crucial that the US government continues to advocate for Mansoor’s release during and after the conference discussions. This sustained pressure will send a clear message that the US is committed to upholding human rights, even in the context of international cooperation on climate change.

Advice to the United States

Public Calls for Release

The United States should seize the opportunity presented by the COP28 conference and publicly call on the UAE authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Ahmed Mansoor. This public pressure will demonstrate the US government’s commitment to human rights and send a strong message to the UAE that the international community is closely watching its actions.

Diplomatic Engagement

In addition to public statements, the US government should engage in private diplomatic efforts to address Mansoor’s case with UAE officials. This behind-the-scenes approach can provide a space for constructive dialogue and potentially yield positive results. The US should emphasize the importance of protecting human rights and the crucial role that civil society and human rights defenders play in fostering open and inclusive societies.

Collaborative Efforts with Allies

The US should coordinate its efforts with like-minded allies and partners who share a commitment to human rights and climate action. By working together, these countries can amplify their voices and increase the pressure on the UAE to release Mansoor and respect the rights of human rights defenders.

Long-Term Engagement

The release of Ahmed Mansoor should not mark the end of the US government’s engagement with the UAE on human rights issues. The US should continue to monitor the human rights situation in the UAE and raise concerns when necessary. This sustained commitment to human rights will contribute to the creation of a more just and inclusive global society.

Conclusion

The upcoming COP28 climate conference in Dubai provides an opportunity for the United States and the international community to send a clear message about the interconnectedness of human rights and climate action. By calling for the release of Ahmed Mansoor and advocating for the protection of human rights in the UAE, the US can demonstrate its commitment to upholding fundamental values while addressing the urgent challenge of climate change.

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