Activists in London marked the UN's International Day of the Disappeared by highlighting the plight of those missing in the United Arab Emirates.
At key locations throughout the city – including outside the UAE embassy in Kensington, near the Emirates Royal Docks in Greenwich, and in the shadows of the unknown soldier in Westminster Abbey –activists from the International Campaign for Freedom [ICF] in the UAE shed light on a number of enforced disappearances in the Emirati state by taping outlines of bodies to the floor in crime scene-style installations.
UAE authorities regularly use enforced disappearances as a means to spread fear and insecurity throughout society, repress political opposition, and silence dissenting voices, ICF said.
In recent years, authorities have forcefully disappeared journalists, human rights activists and academics for months, or in some cases, years at a time, the group added.
UAE authorities regularly use enforced disappearances as a means to spread fear and insecurity throughout society, repress political opposition, and silence dissenting voices, ICF said.
In recent years, authorities have forcefully disappeared journalists, human rights activists and academics for months, or in some cases, years at a time, the group added.
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Arrested Emirati human rights defender at risk of torture, rights groups say
Arrested Emirati human rights defender at risk of torture, rights groups say
In March this year, the prominent human rights activist, Ahmed Mansoor was forcefully disappeared by UAE authorities after plain-clothed officials stormed his home in the early hours.
He has since been held in an unknown location by Emirati authorities and has been denied family visits or access to a lawyer.
He has since been held in an unknown location by Emirati authorities and has been denied family visits or access to a lawyer.
