This woman's account accusing a #UAE minister of sexual assault is remarkable, not least because of the courage it requires to go up against such a powerful man. It also touches on UAE human rights abuses that @hrw has long worked to spotlight. [Thread] https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sheikh-accused-of-serious-sexual-assault-on-hay-festival-curator-z2znhl78g

1) Ahmed Mansoor and the sorry state of free expression in a country desperate to paint itself as progressive and tolerant. McNamara said she brought up his case directly with the Minister. Incredibly brave, and more than most States are willing to do. https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/06/18/after-nabeel-rajab-time-uae-free-ahmed-mansoor

2) The cycle of impunity: Incommunicado detention & enforced disappearances of dissidents are not uncommon. Dubai's ruler himself is accused of orchestrating the abduction of his own daughters. They remain held captive without access to the outside world. https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/03/06/uae-free-dubai-rulers-captive-daughters

3) The abusive nature of the Kafala system: Foreign nationals working in the #UAE are tied to their employers in terms of their legal status in the country and can face fines, prison, and deportation if they leave their employer without permission. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-chapters/united-arab-emirates

4) Sexual violence: Women who report it in the UAE can be prosecuted for sex outside of wedlock instead. This both deters women from coming forward and punishes those who do and are not believed. Migrant women especially domestic workers are most at risk. https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/02/17/human-rights-watch-submission-cedaw-committee-united-arab-emirates-periodic-report