In June of 2025, Saudi Arabia announced its decision to abolish the Kafala system. This announcement forms part of the Saudi Vision 2030 Initiative, and claims to replace the previous sponsorship framework with a contractual employment model, better reflecting modern labour standards. If implemented appropriately, this decision would represent a significant development in human rights[…]
03
Nov
Nov
The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) 2014 Counter-Terrorism Law has been subject to widespread criticism for its vague and overly broad definition of terrorism. Under this law, acts that should fall under the universally protected rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association can be prosecuted as “terrorist offences.” Articles 14 and 15 go so[…]
22
Oct
Oct
We, the undersigned human rights organisations, call for the immediate release of Bahraini dissident Ali Alshowaikh, who has been imprisoned in Bahrain since 2018 following unlawful extradition from the Netherlands. We also urge the Dutch government to take responsibility for its role in his unlawful deportation and to act urgently to secure his freedom. Ali[…]
17
Oct
Oct
In Bahrain, since the 2011 pro-democracy uprisings, protests have been violently crushed, activists unjustly detained, and voices systematically silenced. Women have borne the brunt of this repression. The European Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, together with Americans for Democracy and Human Rights, launches the Daughters of the Resistance campaign. This initiative honors the women[…]
13
Oct
Oct
In August, the State Department released its annual Human Rights Report on Bahrain. The report highlights human rights developments in Bahrain in the previous year, 2024. It is the first of the reports from the Trump administration. By comparing and contrasting this report with the last report from the Biden administration, the Bahrain 2023 Human[…]
