Human rights lawyers in the UK have written to the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen, urging them to demand assurances from the UAE government regarding the promotion and protection of human rights at the upcoming COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
Rhys Davies, one of the lawyers working for International Human Rights Advisors pushing for action by the EU, emphasised the crucial role and responsibility that Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel have in ensuring that the EU does not remain silent on pressing issues during the summit.
In an interview with Express.co.uk, Davies highlighted the EU’s significant role in global leadership on climate change and human rights.
He emphasised that diplomatic engagement should not translate into silence on critical issues but should instead involve seeking guarantees from the UAE government.
Davies warned against allowing the event to be “climate-washed” or “human rights-washed,” urging EU leaders to take a firm stand and consider boycotting the summit if necessary.
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He said: “I think they [Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel] have a very broad and important role and responsibility.
“And what the EU shouldn’t be allowed to do is to say ‘we are world leaders in climate change, we are world leaders in human rights, and yet attend an event and remain silent on these really important issues.
“I recognise as a lawyer that it’s important for them to engage diplomatically.
“But what that shouldn’t mean is allowing the event to be climate-washed, or human rights-washed to coin a phrase.
“They have to seek guarantees before attending. And if they don’t get those guarantees, they need to think about boycotting.”
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An EU’s statement indicating their commitment to being at “the forefront of negotiations in Dubai” raised concerns among human rights advocates. Davies pointed out that while the EU has the power to condemn various issues, it is crucial for them to go beyond “lip service” and genuinely stand up for their proclaimed values.
He told this website: “There is an awful lot that they could in theory condemn. But what we’re asking is that they really stand up for what they say and don’t just pay lip service.”
The UK, despite being a close ally of the UAE, has made an unusual critique of the country’s human rights record. The UK government expressed disappointment when the UAE did not accept a recommendation to guarantee freedom of expression, especially as the country is set to host COP28.
Davies commended the UK government’s move, noting that it’s rare for them to criticise the UAE, a key trading partner, but stressed the need for more significant action.
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While acknowledging the UK government’s step in the right direction, Davies urged the EU to follow suit.
He said: “In my instinct, the UK government has not done enough but it’s remarkable that on this occasion they seem to have grasped the nettle and said something. We’re so often told that the UAE is such a strategic trading partner. So it’s startling that the UK Government has stood up and made this request, although it doesn’t go far enough.
“And yet we don’t seem to have heard the same thing from the EU.”
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