Human rights violations in Dubai, Central African Republic and Syria 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.

• Deep concern over the arbitrary and prolonged detention of Ryan Cornelius in the United Arab Emirates 
• Central African Republic authorities must immediately release researcher and humanitarian worker Joseph Figueira Martin and authorise his medical evacuation  
• MEPs strongly condemn violence against religious and ethnic communities in Syria, in particular the terrorist attack on the church in Mar Elias 

On Thursday, Parliament adopted three emergency resolutions, on Dubai, the Central African Republic, and Syria.

Ryan Cornelius’ case in Dubai

Parliament calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Ryan Cornelius, a 71-year-old British citizen detained in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), since 2008. They denounce his inhumane conditions of detention and urge the UAE to abolish the practice of debt-related imprisonment and to respect international human rights standards.

They also point out that the assets seized in this particular case exceed by far the debt owed and demand that Ryan Cornelius be granted an enforceable right to compensation and other remedies, in accordance with international law. Originally sentenced to 10 years on charges of alleged fraud, Ryan Cornelius’ sentence was extended by another 20 years under Dubai Law 37 of 2009, applied retroactively and in violation of international legal standards.

MEPs call on the UK government, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights and the EU Delegation to the United Arab Emirates to raise this issue in all bilateral contacts with the authorities and note that the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has declared this imprisonment illegal, citing lack of due process, forced confessions and refusal of a lawyer.

The resolution was adopted by 511 votes in favour, 50 against, and 75 abstentions. For more details, the full version will be available here. (10.07.25)

Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic

MEPs strongly condemn the human rights violations perpetrated in the Central African Republic (CAR), in particular against the Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin, as a result of his arbitrary detention in inhumane conditions that threaten his health and life. They demand that the authorities allow him access to appropriate legal representation, consular assistance and care, and swiftly authorise his medical evacuation.

The resolution underlines the role of armed groups operating in the Central African Republic in unlawful, arbitrary arrests and attacks against humanitarian workers and non-governmental organisations. It condemns the growing politically motivated foreign interference in the CAR, including through Russian paramilitary forces and disinformation campaigns.

MEPs once again insist that the Council designate the Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation and point out that respect for human rights is essential for good cooperation between the EU and the CAR.

The resolution was adopted by 617 votes in favour, 4 against, and 18 abstentions. For more details, the full version will be available here. (10.07.25)

The urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the terrorist attack on the Mar Elias church in Damascus

With the political transition in Syria having begun just months ago, MEPs strongly condemn the recent attacks on religious and ethnic communities, in particular the terrorist attack on the Mar Elias church in June, as well as threats against other places of worship. They express their solidarity with all the victims, while stressing the vulnerability of the Christian communities in Syria. MEPs note with concern that many Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) members with grave human rights violation records have assumed roles within the transitional administration, with potentially worrying implications for religious freedom.

The text calls on the Syrian authorities to facilitate prompt, transparent and independent investigations into these acts and to take the necessary measures to suppress violence, ensure that those responsible for the attacks are held accountable, defend freedom of religion, and ensure the protection of all communities.

MEPs reiterate the EU’s support for a human rights-based political transition in Syria, including through a conditional lifting of sanctions. The transition must be accompanied by transitional justice, firm action against impunity and a constitutional guarantee of inclusive governance and of adequate representation of religious and ethnic communities, they add. They call on Syrian transitional authorities to present a specific timeline for organising credible, free, fair and inclusive elections.

They call on the EU to create a fund for the reconstruction of Syria, subject to demonstrable progress on these priorities, (4) and on the Council to impose more targeted sanctions against those responsible for violations of religious freedom. The Syrian authorities the EU and international partners must continue fighting Islamist terrorism, MEPs add.

The resolution was adopted by 625 votes in favour, 7 against, and 10 abstentions. For more details, the full version will be available here. (10/07/25)

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