HRW calls on Vatican Pope to press on UAE to stop its abuses in Yemen

SANAA, Feb. 3 (YPA) – Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Pope Francis to press the UAE to stop serious human rights violations in Yemen and end its crackdown on critics at home.

In a letter sent by the International Organization to the Pope, it said that he should benefit from his visit to the UAE to pressure the government to improve the human rights situation in the country.

“Despite its assurances of tolerance, the UAE government has not shown any real interest in improving its human rights record,” Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa Division said.

“Pope Francis should use his visit to pressure UAE leaders to fulfil their rights obligations at home and abroad,” she added.

E.M