UN asks Emirates for ‘proof of life’ for lacking princess
2 min read The U.N. human rights workplace stated Friday that it has requested the United Arab Emirates for proof that an Emirati princess held towards her will for nearly three years remains to be alive.
The Geneva-based Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights stated the case of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum was raised with the UAE’s mission to the U.N. on Thursday.
Earlier this week the BBC launched excerpts from video diaries Sheikha Latifa stated have been recorded in a locked toilet contained in the Dubai villa the place she was being held. She was detained by commandos off the coast of India in 2018 after she tried to flee Dubai in a yacht.
“We raised our concerns about the situation in light of the disturbing video evidence that emerged this week,” Elizabeth Throssell, a spokeswoman for the U.N. rights workplace advised reporters. “We requested more information and clarification about Sheikha Latifa’s current situation.”
“We did ask for proof of life,” she added.
Friends of the princess have stated say they’re involved for her security as a result of she hasn’t been heard from since she stopped responding to textual content messages six months in the past. The 35-year-old princess is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the hereditary ruler of Dubai who additionally serves as prime minister and vp of the United Arab Emirates.
Throssell harassed that it was commonplace observe for the U.N. human rights workplace to inquire about particular person instances inside its mandate. “That includes cases for whatever reason that have attracted wider focus.”
“Given the serious concerns about Sheika Latifa, we have requested that the government’s response comes as a matter of priority,” she added. “We look forward to receiving and considering this response.”
“In the meantime, of course, we will continue to monitor and assess the situation closely,” stated Throssell.
The UAE Embassy in London issued a press release on behalf of Sheikha Latifa’s household, saying media protection of her scenario “certainly is not reflective of the actual position.”
“Her family has confirmed that Her Highness is being cared for at home, supported by her family and medical professionals,” the assertion stated. “She continues to improve and we are hopeful she will return to public life at the appropriate time.”
The case of Sheikha Latifa was beforehand raised by impartial rights consultants appointed by the worldwide physique.
In December, the U.N. Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances reported that it had determined to look at the case of Sheikha Latifa, “who is reportedly being held in incommunicado detention at her family home in Dubai.”
