Migrants demand: Release the detained 57 Bangladeshi workers in UAE now
The International Migrants Alliance (IMA) Asia-Pacific is deeply concerned about the recent mass conviction and sentencing of 57 Bangladeshi migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While acknowledging the UAE’s right to maintain law and order, we believe the harsh penalties imposed on these individuals are disproportionate to the alleged offense.
These Bangladeshi migrants, who are valuable contributors to the UAE's economy, were expressing solidarity with student protesters in Bangladesh – an issue entirely unrelated to domestic UAE affairs. Their actions, while in violation of UAE law prohibiting public demonstrations, were driven by a sense of empathy and patriotism. It is important to note that these individuals have consistently respected UAE laws and have contributed positively to the country's development.
The following day, 57 of the participants were arrested and given sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment in less than 48 hours.
The protests in UAE were in support and solidarity of the current student movement happening in Bangladesh against a recently reinstated job quota, which reserves 30 percent of government positions to families of war veterans who fought for the country’s independence in 1971. This quota unfairly benefits government supporters, and leaves even less jobs for students amid a crisis of stagnant job growth and high rates of youth unemployment. Solidarity protests have spread around the Bangladeshi diaspora in places such as the United Kingdom, India, Australia and USA.
Several verified videos of the protests in UAE showed that none of the protesters were engaging in violent acts or using language to incite violence in their chants. The peaceful protests were for a cause unrelated to the UAE. Despite this, the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal held the trial, announced the convictions, and handed down the sentences for all 57 defendants within 24 hours.
The imposition of life imprisonment for three individuals and lengthy prison terms for the remaining 54 is excessive and undermines the UAE’s reputation as a tolerant and inclusive society.
The UAE President claims to “uphold principles of coexistence and understanding”, however this recent trial and the many ongoing human rights abuses of migrant workers, including Bangladeshi citizens, reported within the UAE clearly indicate otherwise.
The International Migrants Alliance - Asia Pacific (IMA-AsPac) calls on the United Arab Emirates' government to immediately and unconditionally release the 57 Bangladeshi migrants. We urge the UAE to respect and uphold the rights of all individuals, including the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and free association, while ensuring public safety and order.
Bangladeshi migrants are valuable contributors to the UAE’s economy.
Furthermore, we call for a comprehensive review of the UAE’s labor laws to address the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers. The kafala system, which ties workers to their employers, should be abolished to prevent exploitation and ensure fair treatment.
The IMA ASPAC also joins the Bangladeshi people and the international community in calling for an immediate stop to the violent crackdown being led by the Bangladeshi government on their nationals and uphold justice, ensure accountability to all human rights violations, and resolve the conflicts in just and peaceful means.
Reference:
Shiela Tebia, IMA ASPAC convener
