Criticism of the UAE for detaining 2,700 Afghan refugees
On Wednesday, March 15, Human Rights Watch accused the authorities of the United Arab Emirates of having arbitrarily detained 2,700 Afghan refugees for more than 15 months, in such a way that these refugees have no legal means to apply for asylum or obtain residency elsewhere.
According to the Human Rights Watch report, many of these Afghans reside in the UAE’s humanitarian city, which is one of the largest camps in the world. The report states that many of these refugees have become depressed and have been denied access to consular services. According to the organization, educational opportunities for children living in this camp have not been provided.
The report from this large camp in Abu Dhabi states that the living conditions there are very poor and unsuitable. Inmates have reported overcrowding, lack of basic facilities, and an infestation of insects.