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[…]
29
Jul
Jul
Introduction When we refer to digital rights—in this example, Bahraini rights—we refer to a wide set of human rights that are exercised and defended in the digital sphere. These include liberties like privacy, information access, and freedom of speech. As digital platforms are becoming increasingly important in social, political, and economic life, these rights have[…]
14
Feb
Feb
On 22 January 2024, Saudi Arabia received a review of its human rights record in the country’s fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This mechanism is characterised by a peer review by other UN member states suggesting how to improve the respect of human rights in light of the country’s international obligations. The government has received[…]
05
Feb
Feb
Before the commencement of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) on 26 February 2024, ongoing human rights violations in Bahrain have been exposed. This is despite the government’s vigorous efforts to conceal these violations, particularly the freedom of opinion and expression, by claiming superficial reforms before the international community. However, monitoring the[…]
31
Jan
Jan
Historically, Gulf Cooperation Countries have used a strategy of repression by imposing state control of the media or through broad laws and strict censorship. Often, the governments justify this control by referring to social values like cohesiveness and harmony in society. However, this strategy poses journalists in the Gulf at extreme risk. They are harassed,[…]
