The Netherlands entered the top-10 of global arms export in the 2013-2017 period according to the Trends in international arms transfers by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). SIPRI uses a Trend Indicator Value (TIV) that attributes to surplus weapons a 40% value of their original cost and small arms and ammunition are not included in the SIPRI figures. In 2018, The Dutch Government replied to SIPRI’s ranking stating that the results would have been different if all forms of exports of military equipment were included (e.g. ammunition) and if the sales or license value were the starting point for the ranking.

Despite the Dutch government’s intention to not sell arms to countries committing human rights violations, Dutch manufactured arms and weapons have surfaced in countries such as Bahrain that were being used as a method to repress the civil liberties of the populous. In addition, and in spite of the Dutch Parliament weapons ban against states that are belligerents in the Yemen war, Dutch banks have continued to invest in companies that have businesses with key actors involved in conflicts and human rights violations.
 

Read the full statement here.
 

ADHRB Join 60+ Organizations to Congress: No More COVID-19 Money For the Pentagon


 

Congressional leadership must ensure that future COVID-19 response bills do not include any additional funds for the Pentagon, ADHRB joined 61 organizations representing pro-diplomacy, veteran, faith, environmental, and anti-war communities, and more, from across the country, said in a letter on 22 April.

The letter, led by Win Without War, states that the Pentagon’s $756 billion budget provides more than enough resources to respond to the crisis caused by the pandemic. While there may be a limited role for the Pentagon in responding to the crisis — by, for example, aiding with construction of hospitals — the letter’s signers agree that these activities should be funded by the already-oversized Pentagon budget.

Read the full letter here.

Haider Jaafar Khair was a high school student when he was arrested at his family’s house. His arrest was warrantless, and, before his trial, Haider was constantly transferred between locations. His lawyer was not present during his interrogation and he was subjected to an unfair trial. He remains in the New Dry Dock Detention Centre.

On 18 January 2019, Haider was arrested in his family home by officers in civilian clothing, including officers from the: riot police, Security Police Forces, Criminal Investigations Directorate and Special Security Forces. At 4:00 am, officers raided Haider’s home by breaking down doors and the street was surrounded by cars. They arrested Haider and confiscated his mobile phone, not providing any arrest warrant or official document. hey also failed to provide any reason for the arrest. Haider’s family discovered the reason for Haider’s arrest from the Public Prosecution Office (PPO); Haider’s lawyer informed the family that he was charged with transferring money to unknown places and abusing the use of social media.

Read the full report here.

Council and Human Rights Experts to virtually discuss COVID-19.

On April 30, 2020, Council and Human Rights experts will gather virtually in order to discuss COVID-19. It will be possible to live streaming the entire meeting at UN Web TV website, starting from 3 pm Geneva time (CEST).

Follow the live stream here.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has an extensive history of using torture against those they perceive as a threat; this ‘threat’ most commonly includes human rights defenders, political opposition, religious figures, and journalists. On 19 July 2012, the UAE acceded to the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT), which details obligations that the government must take to prevent the practice of torture. However, the implementation of these measures has not been emphasized. Emirati police and security forces continue to use torture against those who critique the government or pose a threat to their power.

Read the full report here.