Dear UN Secretary General António Guterres, as you prepare for the upcoming COP28, we urge you to consider the numerous reasons why the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an unfit host for this critical event. As you are aware, the COP is a key platform for international cooperation and collaboration to address the urgent challenge of climate change. However, the UAE’s record on human rights, lack of progress on climate action, lack of transparency, geopolitical considerations, prioritizing fossil fuels, lack of diversity, financial considerations, lack of accountability, lack of support for international cooperation, and safety concerns all raise serious concerns about its ability to host this event.
Article 1: United Nations Charter
As a key figure in the global community, we believe it is important that António Guterres should take a stand on these issues and Boycott COP28 in the UAE. The United Nations Charter includes a commitment to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion (Article 1). However, the UAE has been criticized by organizations like Human Rights Watch for its human rights record, including reports of torture, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on free speech and assembly. in view off all these things,Secretary General António Guterres boycott COP28.
Settling disputes peacefully (Article 1)
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Charter emphasizes the importance of maintaining international peace and security and settling disputes peacefully (Article 1). Unfortunately, the UAE has been involved in several regional conflicts and has been criticized for its role in the conflict in Yemen. Allegations of war crimes in Libya, Syria, and Yemen also make it an inappropriate host for COP28, particularly given the UN’s mandate to promote peace and security.
Article 2: UNFCCC
Furthermore, the UNFCCC aims to prevent “dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system” (Article 2). However, the UAE has been criticized for not doing enough to reduce its carbon emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy, despite being one of the world’s largest oil producers. Transparency and accountability are also critical components of the UNFCCC (Article 13), yet the UAE has been criticized for lack of transparency in its own governance.
Article 4: UNFCCC
We also urge António Guterres to consider the importance of promoting a low-carbon economy (Article 4 of the UNFCCC) and the rights of all peoples, regardless of their background or identity (UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples). The UAE’s continued reliance on fossil fuels and lack of diversity and inclusion, particularly with respect to its treatment of migrant workers, raise serious concerns about its ability to effectively address climate change.
CONVENTION ON THE SAFETY OF UN AND ASSOCIATED PERSONNEL
Finally, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres has a duty to protect the safety and security of its personnel (Article 1-24 OF CONVENTION ON THE SAFETY OF UN AND ASSOCIATED PERSONNEL). Given the political instability in the region and the potential for protests or other security threats, we believe that attending a summit in the UAE may pose a safety risk.
In light of these concerns, we respectfully urge you to boycott COP28 in the UAE. Hosting the conference in a country with a questionable human rights and conflict record may hinder cooperation and collaboration between countries to address climate change, which is precisely the opposite of what this event should achieve. As a global leader in the fight against climate change, we look to you to take a principled stand on these critical issues.
