Six UN Experts Sent Letter to Bahrain on Violence Against Women Human Rights Defenders

On 17 January 2019, six United Nations (UN) Special Procedures offices sent an Allegation Letter (AL BHR 7/2018) to the Government of Bahrain on three Bahraini women subjected to reprisals. The communication was sent by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; the Special Rapporteur on the[…]

This Week Marks Two Years Since the Arrest of UAE Human Rights Activist Ahmed Mansoor

Yesterday, 20 March 2019, marked the two-year anniversary of when twelve United Arab Emirates (UAE) officials forcibly arrested Ahmed Mansoor, an award-winning human rights activist, at his home in Ajman in 2017. Following his arrest, Mansoor was forcibly disappeared, kept in solitary confinement, and denied access to an attorney. Ahmed Mansoor was arrested in 2017[…]

Saudi Investments in the US: An Effort to Whitewash Human Rights Abuses

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and one of the most important strategic partners of the US in the region, however, the kingdom is also a major violator of human rights, especially in its silencing of political dissidents, human rights defenders, and activists. Since Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) became Crown Prince[…]

UPDATED: UN Experts Urge the Release of Terminally Ill UAE Prisoner Alia Abdulnoor

***On 4 May 2019, United Arab Emirates (UAE) prisoner Alia Abdulnoor died in custody following a battle with terminal breast cancer. On 26 February 2019, United Nations (UN) rights experts, including Dainius Pūras, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Nils Melzer, Special[…]

Washington Post Establishes Khashoggi Fellowship as White House Maintains Weak Stance on Saudi Arabia

On 25 February 2019, the Washington Post established the Jamal Khashoggi Fellowship honoring the late Global Opinions columnist. The new fellowship was established with the aim to provide a platform for writers and journalists from regions facing restrictions to free expression to express their perspectives, views, and opinions. While the Washington Post is taking proactive[…]