UAE

The UAE's inappropriate reporting of individuals to Interpol has not only hindered their ability to travel or settle in other countries but has also put them at risk of detention and extradition, creating a web of negative consequences that can spiral out of control. Detained in Dubai has witnessed an increase in cases where individuals have been adversely affected by the UAE's misuse of Interpol, highlighting the urgent need to address these matters to prevent further harm.  It was precisely our work relating to the UAE that prompted the creation of two new organisations, IPEX (Interpol and Extradition Reform) and Due Process International, dedicated to the broader issues around extradition and injustice globally.

The UAE's role in initiating abusive Interpol Red Notices has thus always been a significant concern. The abusive issuance of Red Notices, often at the behest of other countries, has led to prolonged legal battles and personal hardships for those targeted. As a leading voice against Interpol abuse, Radha Stirling has been actively involved in advocating for the deletion of abusive Red Notices and providing solutions for individuals affected by these unjust practices.

The UAE's misuse of Interpol's mechanisms is a clear example of the potential for authoritarian regimes to exploit international institutions for their own agendas, leading to human rights abuses and violations. The case of the UAE's inappropriate use of Interpol underscores the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and reforms within Interpol to prevent the weaponization of the organization by globalized authoritarian states.

The appointment of an Emirati as president of Interpol is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about the organization's commitment to preventing abuse and upholding human rights. Major General Ahmed Naser Al Raisi's presidency of Interpol is particularly alarming given the UAE's track record as one of the most prolific abusers of its membership with Interpol. The UAE's repeated abuse of Interpol's mechanisms, including the issuance of Red Notices, has had severe consequences for victims, and the country is known for significant and ever-increasing human rights abuses.

The UAE's control over the Interpol presidency is especially troubling given the country's documented history of using Red Notices as tools of political persecution and as a means to hound and extort foreigners involved in financial disputes within the Emirates. The UAE's abuse of the Interpol system has been well-documented, and the country's human rights violations have raised serious concerns about the influence it may exert on Interpol's activities and priorities.

The election of an Emirati official as president of Interpol despite accusations from rights groups that he failed to act on allegations of torture of detainees in the UAE sets an extremely dangerous precedent. It legitimizes and normalizes systematic abuses, potentially emboldening other states to continue using such practices around the world. The UAE's close relationship with Interpol, coupled with its documented human rights abuses, raises significant questions about the transparency and accountability of the organization's funding and decision-making processes.

The presidency of Al Raisi is deeply troubling, as it seriously damages Interpol's reputation beyond repair and undermines the international community's trust in the organization. The appointment of an individual facing legal action for alleged complicity in human rights abuses only serves to erode Interpol's credibility further and highlights the urgent need for reforms to prevent the organization from being exploited by countries with poor human rights records.