Parliamentary questions (10 June 2015)
Answer given by Vice-President Mogherini on behalf of the Commission:
The EU Delegation in Abu Dhabi is closely following the Human Rights situation in UAE.
The EU entertains regular contacts with civil society organisations, such as Emirates Human Rights Association, and human rights defenders and raises individual cases of concern with the relevant Emirati authorities as appropriate, including on the case of Ms. Asma Khalifa al-Suwaidi, Mariam Khalifa al-Suwaidi and Dr Alyaziyah Khalifa al-Suwaidi. The news of the release of the three sisters on 15 May 2015 is therefore a positive development.
The EU consistently engages the relevant UAE interlocutors in an informal dialogue on human rights, encouraging reforms and expressing its concerns whenever necessary. The EU will continue to advocate in its contacts with the UAE authorities that more progress is needed in guaranteeing freedom of expression.
Last updated: 16 June 2015
