Berlin – The German Institute for Democracy and Development (DIDE) expresses profound concern and strongly condemns the recent tragic incident involving the death of a Lebanese man while in the custody of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities. This incident highlights the urgent need for the international community to address the systematic human rights violations occurring within the UAE. The DIDE calls on the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to take immediate action to put an end to these grave human rights violations.
The death of the Lebanese man in UAE custody is not an isolated event but rather indicative of a broader pattern of abuses and a lack of respect for fundamental human rights within the UAE. This tragic incident underscores the alarming absence of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law within the Emirati justice system. It serves as a somber reminder of the precarious conditions faced by countless individuals detained by UAE authorities, necessitating urgent international intervention to protect lives and uphold human dignity.
The German Institute for Democracy and Development firmly believes that every individual, regardless of their nationality, deserves to be treated with dignity and have their basic human rights safeguarded. The custodial death of the Lebanese man represents a blatant violation of these principles and underscores the urgent need for decisive action by the international community.
We call upon the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to undertake the following measures:
- Immediate Investigation: We urge the relevant authorities in the UAE to conduct a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the Lebanese man. This investigation should be carried out by impartial individuals with expertise in human rights and must hold those responsible for any wrongdoing accountable. It is essential to examine the conditions of detention, treatment of detainees, and the events leading to this tragic loss of life comprehensively.
- Accountability and Justice: The German Institute for Democracy and Development demands that the UAE authorities hold all individuals involved in the mistreatment and death of the Lebanese man accountable. Impunity for such severe violations only perpetuates a culture of abuse and allows further human rights violations to persist. It is crucial that those responsible are brought to justice and that victims and their families receive appropriate reparations.
- Human Rights Monitoring: We call upon the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to establish a robust human rights monitoring mechanism to oversee the situation in the UAE. This mechanism should have unrestricted access to detention facilities, ensuring regular visits and interviews with detainees, and providing regular reports on the human rights situation in the country. The presence of independent monitors is crucial to deterring abuses, protecting detainees, and shedding light on the overall human rights situation.
- Diplomatic Pressure: The German Institute for Democracy and Development urges the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to exert diplomatic pressure on the UAE government to cease all forms of human rights violations and ensure the protection of individuals in custody. The international community must make it clear that continued abuses will have severe diplomatic consequences. It is incumbent upon these nations and organizations to utilize their influence to effect change and hold the UAE government accountable for its human rights obligations.
- Support for Civil Society: We call upon the international community to provide increased support to civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and advocates within the UAE. These individuals play a crucial role in documenting violations, assisting victims, and working towards a more just and rights-respecting society. They face significant risks and obstacles in their pursuit of justice, and it is imperative that they receive the necessary resources and protection to continue their vital work. Support should encompass capacity building, training, legal assistance, and the provision of advocacy tools to strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of civil society organizations operating within the UAE.
Furthermore, the German Institute for Democracy and Development encourages dialogue and engagement with the UAE government on the importance of upholding international human rights standards. The promotion of human rights should be an integral part of diplomatic engagements, trade relations, and bilateral cooperation with the UAE. It is crucial to utilize diplomatic channels to express concerns, provide recommendations, and encourage the UAE to implement necessary reforms to ensure the protection of human rights for all individuals under its jurisdiction.
In addition to immediate actions, the German Institute for Democracy and Development recognizes the significance of long-term efforts to foster a culture of respect for human rights in the UAE. This entails supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the independence of the judiciary, strengthening legal frameworks to align with international human rights standards, and promoting awareness and education on human rights principles among government officials, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
The German Institute for Democracy and Development stands in solidarity with the victims of human rights abuses in the UAE and reiterates its unwavering commitment to working diligently to expose such violations and hold perpetrators accountable. We call upon the international community to prioritize the protection of human rights in the UAE and to collectively work towards ending these grave abuses.
