GENEVA, Sept 13 (Reuters) – More than 200 civil society groups have written to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), host of this year’s COP28 U.N. climate summit, and all participating governments with a series of demands concerning the Gulf nation’s human rights record.

The UAE, a Gulf trading and tourism hub, big oil producer and a U.S. ally, does not allow political parties and shows little tolerance towards dissent. State and local media are tightly controlled and freedom of speech is restricted.

The UAE rejected the groups’ allegations and issued a statement saying that the Gulf Arab state welcomed constructive dialogue and that all COP28 visitors will be permitted to “assemble peacefully to have their voices heard in designated areas”.

Read more: reuters.com

Photo: reuters.com