JPTi Raises Alarm at UN Over UAE’s Misuse of Financial Compliance Laws

On 29 September 2022, Justice pour Tous Internationale (JPTi) submitted a formal communication to multiple United Nations Special Procedures Mandate Holders, including the Working Group on Business and Human Rights and the Special Rapporteurs on the independence of judges and lawyers, the right to food, and the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures.

This communication addresses serious violations of international human rights law arising from flawed and arbitrary criminal proceedings in the United Arab Emirates. It draws urgent attention to systemic abuses related to overcompliance with anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks, the de-risking of legitimate commercial actors, and the discriminatory prosecution of non-nationals conducting lawful humanitarian trade—particularly in the food sector.

The case submitted underscores the risks of misuse of counter-terrorism and financial compliance regimes, which may result in the chilling of lawful commercial activity, economic discrimination, and denial of the right to a fair trial. It highlights grave concerns about the shrinking space for businesses engaged in humanitarian and food security efforts, particularly when they operate across sanctioned jurisdictions.

JPTi has called upon the UN Special Procedures to urge the UAE Government to halt ongoing violations, ensure effective remedies for the affected individual and entities, and uphold its international obligations. We have also called for engagement with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to ensure that anti-money laundering frameworks are implemented in a manner consistent with fundamental human rights, including the right to due process, non-discrimination, and access to remedy.

JPTi remains committed to defending the universal applicability of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and to promoting legal accountability in all jurisdictions where the abuse of regulatory systems undermines justice and human dignity.

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