Influencer-Washing in Dubai: The Hidden Human Rights Violations Behind Glamorous Influencers
The recent case of an Irish domestic violence victim criminalized by Dubai authorities starkly contrasts the glamorous image of Dubai promoted by influencers. While influencers paint a picture of luxury and prosperity, the dark realities of human rights violations—especially against women and victims of human trafficking—are hidden from view.
The Case of Tori Towey
This case gained international attention after Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald brought it to the Dáil, prompting Taoiseach Simon Harris to offer support to Towey and her family. McDonald emphasized the broader issue, stating, “This episode is grotesque and medieval, revealing how women are treated as objects and possessions.”
Systemic Oppression
Detained in Dubai, an organization providing legal help to those caught in Dubai’s draconian laws, highlights the city’s dangerous facade. Founded by Radha Stirling in 2008, the organization has helped over 15,000 people. Stirling pointed out, “Dubai presents itself as a place of prosperity and progress but conceals laws that endanger women and victims of abuse or sexual assault.”
Despite PR efforts to improve women’s rights, recent cases show little change. For example, in 2013, Norwegian woman Marte Deborah Dalely was imprisoned for extramarital sex after reporting a rape. In 2016, a British woman was charged with extramarital sex after reporting rape, while her attackers faced no charges. Stirling noted, “The UAE has a long history of penalizing rape victims, and recent cases show it is still not safe for victims to report these crimes without risking double punishment.”
Human Trafficking Victims: Criminalized Instead of Supported
As a human trafficking expert, I have observed that victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation are often treated as criminals when they approach the police in Dubai. Instead of receiving support through victim assistance mechanisms, they frequently face incarceration for visa offences. This systemic failure not only denies them justice but also perpetuates their victimization.
Hope Education Project, the platform hosting this article, is about to undertake crucial research on the interactions between survivors and the authorities in the UAE. This research, scheduled for October and November 2024, will examine the experiences of sex trafficking victims when they seek help from Dubai’s authorities. The findings, set to be published in February 2025, aim to shed light on the systemic issues and advocate for meaningful change.
The Role of Dubai Influencers
Amid these human rights violations, Dubai has made concerted efforts to attract bloggers and influencers to whitewash its image. By showcasing luxury hotels, extravagant shopping experiences, and pristine beaches, influencers help create a sanitized image of Dubai that glosses over the harsh realities faced by many residents and visitors.
Influencers are often given free trips, luxury accommodations, and exclusive experiences in exchange for positive posts about Dubai. These posts rarely, if ever, mention the systemic human rights abuses, creating a misleading narrative that benefits the city’s image but harms those who are suffering.
The Need for Real Change
Dubai’s glamorous image, promoted by influencers, conceals a reality of systemic human rights violations. Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups face severe legal repercussions for actions considered normal in many countries. The UAE authorities’ attempts to attract influencers are part of a broader strategy to divert attention from these issues.
By shedding light on these human rights abuses, we can challenge the false narratives and work towards a more just and equitable society for all. It is crucial for influencers and the international community to acknowledge these issues and advocate for real change rather than contributing to the whitewashing of Dubai’s image.
Conclusion
While Dubai may glitter with the allure of luxury and prosperity, the city’s treatment of women and other vulnerable groups reveals a much darker reality. Influencers and international attention must focus on these issues, pressing for genuine reform and justice for all who suffer under oppressive laws. Only then can Dubai truly become a place of progress and opportunity for everyone.
Upcoming Research
Hope Education Project’s upcoming research in collaboration with our sister organisation Send Them Home, will play a pivotal role in highlighting the injustices faced by sex trafficking victims in Dubai. By examining their interactions with authorities, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the systemic failures and advocate for policies that ensure their protection and support.
Stay tuned for our findings in February 2025, and join us in advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Together, we can make a difference and challenge the status quo to create a safer, more just world for everyone.