On 19 January, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) declared that it has asked the UAE for more information about the situation of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, and proof on whether she is alive and well. News on Sheikha Latifa emerged following the release of a BBC investigative news programme on Tuesday, which showed social videos of the Sheikha saying she is held hostage and threatened in Dubai.
The Spokeswoman of the OHCHR Liz Throssell stated in an online briefing of the situation in Geneva that they have raised their concerns to Emirati officials, in the aftermath of the release of Sheikha Latifa’s videos to the public. In addition, she indicated that the OHCHR has officially requested clarification from the country’s permanent mission in Geneva as well as more information on the current situation of Sheikha Latifa and her well-being. The spokeswoman finished her statement by stating they will continue to monitor the situation.
Requests for comments from the UAE Foreign Ministry and the country’s media office have not provided an immediate response.
The Sheikha received international attention in 2018 when she caught headlines in an attempt to flee the country by a yacht, which was intercepted by Indian and Emirati commandos in the Indian Ocean. The Sheikha was then flown back to Dubai, during which she released a viral video stating her reason to flee to be because of the restrictions her father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, put on her.
