MEP Antonio López-Istúriz White and MEP Abir Al-Sahlani’s recently visited the UAE-based the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). The institution is just another tactic and part of the Emirate’s decadelong whitewashing campaign to make themselves look like a respectful, tolerant and open state. The institution’s role is controversial and is funded by the UAE government.
In March 2025, MEP Antonio López-Istúriz White posted on X that he took part in the first meeting of the Gulf-European parliamentary committee and the Delegation for Relations with the Arabian Peninsula in the European Parliament.
On the other hand, the National Human Rights Institution also noted on X highlights from the European Parliament delegation’s visit to #NHRIUAE, where they were briefed on the NHRI’s latest developments and its efforts in promoting and spreading a culture of human rights. In the post, MEP Antonio López-Istúriz White and MEP Abir Al-Sahlani can also be seen visiting the institution.
Here the question arises: Why did they visit the institution? Did they question the institution’s work on human rights? As the center is autonomous, their visit raises concerns. There have been no independent civil society groups there since 2012, and many people have been jailed. There is a lot of fear of retaliation for speaking out and a high level of censorship, even among UAE-based international journalists and academics.
MEPs visit could be seen as an attempt to improve the UAE’s international image rather than genuinely address these issues.
The so-called institution established in 2021 under Federal Law No. 12, the NHRI is intended to promote and protect human rights in the UAE, operating with financial and administrative independence. However, the circumstances on the ground are very different. In fact, there is definitely no room for dissent in the UAE.
Moreover, despite legal provisions for independence, the NHRI’s budget is part of the UAE’s general budget, raising concerns about state interference and undermining its ability to operate impartially. The UAE has a history of severe human rights restrictions, including targeting activists, restricting freedom of expression, and using counter-terrorism laws to silence dissent.
MEPs’ visits to the institutions like the NHRI used by the UAE government to project a positive image internationally while continuing to suppress dissent and human rights domestically. This phenomenon is often referred to as “whitewashing” or “reputation laundering.” By demonstrating such a visit to the institutions, the UAE government may aim to deflect criticism and improve its international standing without making substantial reforms.
Any engagement of European officials with the NHRI must be accompanied by a critical assessment of its independence and effectiveness in promoting genuine human rights reforms in the UAE.
