In a striking juxtaposition of image versus reality, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government, known for its space ambitions and even a Minister of Happiness, faces severe criticism for its treatment of migrant workers. Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, alongside GIWEH, brought these concerns to the forefront at the UN Human Rights Council’s 51st session, highlighting what they described as “horrific racism and discrimination” against those who have significantly contributed to the UAE’s infrastructure and economy. This raises critical questions about human rights within the Euro Uae region, specifically concerning the treatment of vulnerable populations.
Muhammed Shehada, Chief of Programs and Communications at Euro-Med Monitor, delivered a powerful statement detailing a “sweeping and arbitrary” police campaign from the previous year. This campaign resulted in the detention and deportation of at least 375 African migrant workers. According to Shehada, these individuals were in the UAE legally, their only perceived offense being “having a different skin colour.” This action starkly contradicts the UAE’s projected image of a modern and enlightened society, especially in the context of euro uae international relations and standards.
It is immensely disheartening that in the year 2022, in societies that claim to be civilised, modern, and enlightened, many people are still on the receiving end of appalling racism and discrimination
Muhammed Shehada, Chief of Programs and Communications at Euro-Med Monitor
Euro-Med Monitor, collaborating with ImpACT International for Human Rights Policies, a London-based think tank, has diligently exposed severe violations within the UAE. These violations include the imprisonment, torture, and forced deportation of hundreds of African migrant workers in June 2021. Their September 2021 report, “They told us they hated black Africans”, compiled from over 100 testimonies, revealed a campaign of mass arrests against African workers on June 24th and 25th, 2021. These migrant workers endured unlawful detention and torture before being deported en masse, actions seemingly motivated by racial discrimination within the euro uae area.
In their statement to the UN Council, Euro-Med Monitor and GIWEH urged UAE authorities to publicly condemn racially motivated targeting of migrants of colour. They further demanded that the UAE ensure appropriate compensation for individuals who have suffered inhumane and discriminatory treatment. This call for action underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform in the UAE’s treatment of migrant workers, aligning with international human rights expectations within the broader euro uae framework.
Full statement:
Mr President,
It is immensely disheartening that in the year 2022, in societies that claim to be civilised, modern, and enlightened, many people are still on the receiving end of appalling racism and discrimination.
The UAE government boasts that it has sent an astronaut to space, that it has invented a Ministry of Coexistence and Tolerance, and even appointed a Minister for Happiness and Wellbeing, yet when it comes to migrant workers who have contributed significantly to the country’s economy and infrastructure, the UAE government has failed to hold its own police force accountable for a number of egregious human rights violations against people of colour.
A year ago, for example, the UAE police carried out a sweeping and arbitrary campaign in which it detained and deported at least 375 African migrant workers. They had been living and working in the country legally, and had only committed the crime of having a different skin colour. They have been seized at night in terrifying raids, then put in inhumane, degrading conditions in prisons and collectively deported after being stripped of their belongings and legal documents, without any legal counsel and/or any due process. Even today, the UAE government has not addressed this or similar incidents.
Euro-Med Monitor and GEWIH call on UAE authorities to take a clear and public stance against the racially motivated targeting of migrants of colour, and to ensure that any individuals that have already suffered inhumane and discriminatory treatment be appropriately compensated.
Thank you.
