The Chancellor of the Upper Hand Organization, Mohamad Al-Mail, has sent an open letter to representatives in the UK House of Commons, raising concerns about the country’s commitment to human rights following its withdrawal from the European Union on January 31, 2020. In the letter, Al-Mail highlighted several questions that challenge the UK’s positive reputation on human rights.
Al-Mail’s questions covered a range of issues, including the UK’s supply of military equipment and exports to Saudi Arabia since the outbreak of the war in Yemen, the UK’s continued participation in the European Union Human Rights Convention, and the Kingdom’s support for human rights activists facing persecution. Additionally, they questioned the UK’s efforts towards climate change.
In response, Lord (Tarik) Ahmad Wimbledon, Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth and Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, sent a reply letter on May 13, 2020. The letter emphasized that the protection and promotion of universal human rights will remain an essential part of the UK’s international diplomacy, even after it leaves the European Union.
Lord Ahmad Wimbledon stressed that respect for human rights is not only a legal and moral right but also a rational one, as abuses and violations of human rights lead to unstable and less prosperous societies. The response letter sought to reassure the Upper Hand Organization that the UK remains committed to upholding human rights and promoting stability in the international community.
The Upper Hand’s concerns and questions about post-Brexit human rights highlight the importance of this issue to citizens and international organizations alike.