Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR)

A new report by the Gulf Centre for Human Rights examines how authorities in the Gulf region and neighbouring states have used the COVID-19 pandemic to justify increased digital surveillance, and how citizens can better protect their right to privacy, safety, and freedom of expression.

“Someone like Major General Al-Raisi, who oversaw and participated in the torture of innocent citizens, should not head an international law enforcement agency,” said Gulf Centre for Human Rights Executive Director Khalid Ibrahim.

IFEX joins the Gulf Centre for Human Rights and rights groups in marking the International Day to End Impunity by calling for an end to impunity for perpetrators of crimes against journalists in the MENA region.

Rights groups from the region and around the world call on Emirati authorities to release all imprisoned human rights defenders and activists detained in violation of their right to free expression.

Human rights defenders are targeted with arrests and harassment for their work, as citizens face unfair trials and executions.

According to the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR), Qatari authorities detained dozens of citizens following peaceful protests against the country’s discriminatory electoral system, in violation of their right to free expression and assembly.

A new report reveals nine Bahraini activists, including three members of IFEX member organisation the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, were hacked with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware.

Authorities continue to arrest and intimidate protesting teacher union activists one year after authorities suspended the country’s largest professional union.