The UAE and Interpol Politics, Procedures and the lack of Transparency

Rhys Davies at Arab Organisation for Human Rights on 17 May 2018

SEMINAR

17 MAY 2018 — 5:30PM TO 8:30PM

LONDON

INTERPOL, as much as it is essential in seeking to combat global crime and terrorism, has been subject to stark criticism over recent years, given the manner in which its system of ‘Red Notice’ and ‘Diffusion Notice’, have been subjected to manipulation by those who seek to target political and ideological enemies e.g. the Government of Egypt pursuing political opponents.

The risk of manipulation is now arguably even greater, given the announcement in March 2017 that it had accepted a contribution of €50 million, from the UAE, a state renown for its lack of respect for human rights, its willingness to ignore fundamental freedoms, and its penchant for pursuing political opponents or detractors through a domestic court system that has in effect been weaponised so as to become a further arm of state oppression.

It is accepted that the donation was made to INTERPOL’s ‘Foundation for a Safer World’, an organisation that is described as being at ‘arms-length’ from INTERPOL’s core functions, however, the fact remains it is still part of INTERPOL and thus it cannot be free from inference.

It is appropriate to consider its funding structure, and whether there is potential for manipulation or an inference of the same.

Further, INTERPOL’s systems of Red and Diffusion notices are also worthy of scrutiny given the criticisms already made, and whether there needs to be an overhaul.

Participants

Rhys Davies – Barrister (Chair)

Ben Keith – Barrister

Mark Hambling – Barrister

Malcolm Hawkes – Barrister

Toby Cadman – Barrister

To find out more about AOHR and the work they do click HERE.