A/HRC/57/60
161. The case of Mr. Mohamed al-Mansoori was included in the 2014 report of the
Secretary-General,174 as one of the civil society activists on trial in the so-called UAE 94 case
for peacefully calling for change in a peaceful way in March 2013. In 2013, his detention
was deemed arbitrary by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
(A/HRC/WGAD/2013/60) together with other 60 individuals.
162. The case of Mr. Ahmed Mansoor, advisor to the Gulf Centre for Human Rights and
Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa Division, was included in the 2014
and 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 reports of the Secretary-General.175 Mr. Mansoor is
alleged to have suffered intimidation and reprisals for his collaboration with UN human rights
mechanisms. In 2011, his detention was deemed arbitrary by the Working Group on Arbitrary
Detention (A/HRC/WGAD/2011/64). In January 2021, special procedures mandate holders
raised concerns about his imprisonment and alleged ill treatment and solitary confinement
(ARE 1/2021).176 to which the Government responded.177
163. On 4 March 2024, in his global update to the Human Rights Council, the United
Nations High Commissioner for human rights raised concerns over the new terrorist charges
brought against the 84 individuals, including human rights defenders, journalists and others,
highlighting that they are based on counter-terrorism legislation that contravenes human
rights law.178
164. In December 2023 and 19 January 2024, mandate holders raised concerns, about the
allegations received that the 84 were being tried with new terrorist charges under the 2014
Counter-Terrorism Law for calling for democratic reform in 2011, for which most of them,
including Mr. Al-Mansoori, had already served their sentences (ARE 1/2024).179 Mandate
holders raised further concerns about the severe penalties associated with the charges,
including death and life imprisonment, under article 21 of the Counter-Terrorism Law).With
respect to Mr. Al-Mansoori, mandate holders noted he had completed his ten-year
imprisonment sentence in July 2023, remains detained and his whereabouts were unknown
from 12 June 2023 until 1 December 2023. On 8 April 2024, the Government responded to
mandate holders, denying allegations, and underlying adherence to rule of law and respect
for fair trial rights in accordance with the Constitution.180
165. According to information received by OHCHR, Mr. Ahmed Mansoor, was among
the 84 civil society members facing new terrorist charges and he was reportedly seen during
the court hearings.
166. During the Universal periodic review of the United Arab Emirates held on 8 May
2023, the State was recommended to ensure that human rights defenders, including those
sharing information with United Nations human rights mechanisms are able to work safely
and effectively in the country, and that activists, lawyers, journalists and academics operate
without fear of reprisals (A/HRC/54/15 para. 35.147 and 35.150). The United Arab Emirates
accepted 198 recommendations, which did not include the latter (A/HRC/54/15/Add.1
para. 28).
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
GE.24-14259
A/HRC/27/38, para. 45.
A/HRC/36/31, para. 60 and Annex I, paras. 86–87; A/HRC/39/41, Annex II, para. 55; A/HRC/42/30,
para. 79 and Annex II, paras. 103–104; A/HRC/45/36, Annex II, paras. 126–127; A/HRC/48/28,
Annex II, paras. 133–135 and A/HRC/51/47, Annex II, para.
https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=25866
and https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2021/06/uae-un-expert-condemns-long-term-detentionhuman-rights-defenders.
https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadFile?gId=36081.
https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2024/03/turks-global-update-human-rightscouncil.
United Arab Emirates: UN experts alarmed by new charges brought against civil society in UAE87
trial | OHCHR; https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/12/uae-un-expert-denounces-newcharges-brought-against-jailed-human-rights.
https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadFile?gId=38338.
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