On 24 March 2022, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) will launch its 2021 Annual Report.

Throughout 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to have a severe impact on human rights defenders (HRDs) and other civil society actors across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Contact tracing and surveillance technology facilitated the ability of oppressive governments to violate the privacy and free expression of HRDs and other dissenting voices, thereby exercising a chilling effect on their important work. Furthermore, arbitrary arrest and detention continues to be one of the most pervasive forms of repression wielded against peaceful HRDs. In 2021, GCHR has endeavoured to counteract this by continuously highlighting and amplifying the vital work of civil society in the region.

By consolidating the main patterns and findings of the 6 urgent actions, 16 reports and over 170 appeals, joint statements and letters published by GCHR throughout 2021, the Annual Report is an authoritative overview of the current state of human rights across the Gulf region and neighbouring countries. Key themes include the persecution of HRDs, the impact of lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions on human rights, surveillance and tracking and the persecution of online expression. The Annual Report also documents the various advocacy, campaigns and practical support undertaken by GCHR throughout 2021.

Reflecting on the past year for human rights in the Gulf region and neighbouring countries, GCHR Executive Director Khalid Ibrahim stated, “The year 2021 was a heavy and difficult year for human rights defenders, some of whom are still unjustly imprisoned and others suffer from all forms of harassment, including unfair courts with invalid travel bans.” He added, “Whatever the challenges, we will not lose hope and continue our peaceful and legitimate work.”

The report’s main recommendations are that: governments repeal vague and punitive legislation that criminalists peaceful human right work; governments enact legislation on human rights, freedom of expression and assembly and information technology in line with international human rights norms; authorities tackle impunity and; the international community ceases to embolden the region’s governments in committing human rights violations with impunity.

To read the full report click HERE.