UAE government arrests internationally-acclaimed human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor

20 March 2017 – Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) is alarmed to hear the news that the United Arab Emirate (UAE) authorities have detained prominent human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor. The reason for Mansoor’s arrest has not yet been confirmed, and his location is currently unknown. Mansoor could be at risk[…]

ADHRB responds to the UAE High-Level Statement at HRC 34

28 February 2017 – Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB), in response to the statement made today by Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), during the High Level Segment of the Human Rights Council (HRC), expresses deep concern over ongoing human[…]

Kuwait executes seven in first use of death penalty since 2013

The Government of Kuwait executed seven prisoners by hanging on 25 January 2017. Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah authorized the executions, which took place at the country’s central prison. Kuwait’s hangings come on the heels of recent executions in Bahrain and signal another disappointing move away from death penalty moratoria in the region. Those[…]

UAE to hold new hearing for academic Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith

17 January 2017 – Tomorrow, 18 January 2017, prominent Emirati economist and academic Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith is scheduled for a new hearing before the Abu Dhabi Federal Appeal Court. UAE authorities have subjected Dr. bin Ghaith to a lengthy trial over charges that violate his right to free expression and association. Americans for Democracy[…]

Qatar’s new sponsorship law fails to abolish kafala system

16 December 2016 – A new sponsorship law in Qatar fails to reform the kafala system and Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) finds that these failed reforms continue to leave migrant workers vulnerable to abuse. On 13 December 2016, a new law governing the sponsorship of migrant workers in Qatar came[…]