UPDATED Profiles in Persecution: Abbas al-Hassan Executed

**Update 23 April 2019 – Today, the Saudi government carried out the executions of 37 men, including Abbas al-Hassan. His case had drawn the attention of UN Special Procedures. The executions were reportedly carried out without prior notice to the families.  Abbas al-Hassan was a Saudi citizen and father of four from the Shia majority[…]

Saudi Mistreatment of Rohingya Refugees in Detention

Rohingya Muslims residing in a Saudi Arabian detention center launched their third hunger strike according to Al Jazeera. The strike was launched to protest the poor conditions within the Saudi detention centers. Authorities have reacted by threatening to deprive strikers of water and taking away necessities like pillows, shirts, and other essential items. Saudi Arabia[…]

UN Special Procedures Publishes Urgent Appeal on Man At Risk of Deportation from UAE

On 17 January 2019, the United Nations (UN) Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions sent an Urgent Appeal (ARE 1/2019) to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) highlighting concerns for the arrest and potential deportation of Pakistani national Rashid Hussain Brohi. Brohi[…]

UAE Human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor on hunger strike to protest poor prison conditions and unfair trial

United Arab Emirates (UAE) human rights defender, Ahmed Mansoor, is on a hunger strike in order to protest poor prison conditions and his unfair trial, both of which are not in accordance with international standards. Mansoor’s hunger strike, coupled with the undesirable prison conditions, are concerning as they may severely compromise his health. The hunger[…]

UAE-sponsored display at HRC40 cannot compensate for ongoing human rights abuses

During the 40th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sponsored an exhibit speaking out against child sexual abuse and online harassment and purporting to highlight the role of interfaith dialogue in defending victims. While this exhibit attempts to demonstrate steps the UAE has taken to address[…]