Migrant Workers and Gender Discrimination: The UAE’s Unseen Struggles
In its 2024 annual report, Human Rights Watch (HRW) challenged the UAE’s portrayal of itself as a beacon of tolerance and openness, highlighting the country’s repressive actions, including unjust trials and the persecution of activists and human rights defenders. HRW argues that, despite hosting high-profile events like the “United Nations Climate Change Conference” (COP28), the UAE continues to suppress scrutiny of its extensive human rights violations and expand its fossil fuel industry.
The organization condemned the UAE’s record on human rights, specifically focusing on the widespread use of unjust trials, torture, and violations of migrant workers’ rights. HRW noted the severe health risks faced by migrant workers due to extreme heat exposure.
In 2024, the UAE convicted at least 44 individuals as part of the “UAE 94” mass trial, one of the country’s largest unfair mass trials. Many of those convicted were already serving sentences from the earlier mass trial, which involved charges linked to alleged terrorism and activities related to the “Committee for Dignity and Justice” group.
Crackdown on Freedom of Expression, Assembly, and Association
The UAE imposes stringent limitations on freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Many critics of the government, including human rights defenders, face lengthy prison sentences after unfair trials. These trials are often based on vague and broad charges, violating individuals’ rights to free speech and assembly.
HRW highlighted the case of at least 44 individuals who were convicted after a deeply flawed trial process. These individuals, many of whom had been subjected to prolonged solitary confinement, were accused of terrorism-related activities due to their involvement in an independent advocacy group. The convicted included academic Nasser bin Ghaith, Abdul Salam Darwish Al-Marzouqi, and Sultan bin Kayed Al-Qasimi. The trial violated basic standards of due process, with restrictions on accessing case information, poor legal representation, judicial interference with witness testimonies, and closed-door hearings.
Among the accused was Ahmed Mansoor, a prominent Emirati human rights activist and a member of HRW’s advisory committee for the Middle East and North Africa. The UAE also detained 57 Bangladeshi protesters who had participated in peaceful demonstrations in solidarity with student protests in Bangladesh. These individuals were sentenced after expedited trials but were later pardoned and released in September 2024.
The UAE’s Federal Penal Code and Cybercrime Law have been instrumental in silencing dissent, with harsh penalties for those critical of the government. These laws have led to a significant reduction in civic spaces and imposed severe restrictions on freedom of expression, both online and offline.
Abuse of Migrant Workers
The kafala system, which grants employers near-total control over migrant workers, has facilitated the exploitation of labor in the UAE. Workers cannot change jobs without their employer’s consent and can face detention and deportation if falsely accused of “absconding.” HRW reported ongoing abuses such as wage theft, illegal recruitment fees, and passport confiscation, which effectively amount to forced labor.
Despite the crucial role migrant workers play in the UAE’s economy, the government has failed to provide adequate protection from climate-related risks. Outdoor workers, in particular, are highly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and deaths. The UAE’s current approach to heat protection—an afternoon work ban during the summer—has proven ineffective in preventing such harm.
Women’s Rights in the UAE
While the UAE has introduced some reforms, such as outlawing gender-based discrimination and removing the legal obligation for women to obey their husbands, these changes are insufficient to address all forms of gender-based inequality. The system of male guardianship over women remains a significant barrier to women’s autonomy and equal rights.
