On Friday, 19 September 2025, during the 60th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council, CAP Liberté de Conscience delivered an oral statement on behalf of human rights defenders who are arbitrarily detained in the UAE.
The statement echoed concerns first raised during the September 2024 side event, “Arbitrary Detention in the UAE: Addressing the Crisis of Civil Society Suppression”, hosted by CAP Liberté de Conscience, where the panel highlighted the systematic use of arbitrary detention to silence civil society actors and restrict fundamental freedoms.
I speak today on behalf of human rights defenders who are arbitrarily detained in the UAE.
Following successive unfair mass trials, UN independent experts have consistently expressed concern about the detention of individuals for “legitimately exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms” and the lack of due process guarantees.
In June 2025, the UAE Supreme Court upheld existing convictions and reconvicted additional defendants on charges of alleged “terrorist” links, resulting in a substantial number of life sentences.
For over a decade, the authorities have targeted human rights defenders both within and beyond their borders.
Non-Emirati citizens are also targeted. The case of Mr Al Qaradawi, who has been held for over 250 days in solitary confinement following his unlawful extradition to the UAE, is a striking example.
It is essential that the UAE takes immediate steps to comply with international legal standards by:
- Amending legislation that violates the principles of legality and non-retroactivity
- Remedying the situation of individuals who are arbitrarily detained
- Ensuring compensation and reparations for individuals unlawfully detained
- Holding accountable those responsible for violations of human rights.
The Emirati authorities have persistently disregarded basic legal principles, as evidenced by mass trials. Immediate and decisive action is needed.
In parallel, other states should refrain from supporting or facilitating practices that enable the UAE’s violations of human rights.
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