Why are 29 rights groups opposing US arms sales to UAE?

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29 Rights Groups Oppose US Arms Sales to UAE Due to Humanitarian Concerns

Twenty-nine arms control and human rights organizations are opposing a US$23 billion arms sale to the United Arab Emirates, citing concerns that the weapons would exacerbate humanitarian crises in Yemen and Libya. The groups have urged the US Congress to block the deal, which includes advanced weaponry such as fighter jets, drones, and missiles. Seth Binder, advocacy officer at the Project on Middle East Democracy, led the effort to consolidate these objections.
Concerns Over Civilian Harm and Humanitarian Crises

The primary objection raised by the signatory organizations is that the proposed sale of advanced weaponry, including Lockheed Martin F-35s, General Atomics drones, and Raytheon missiles, will directly contribute to ongoing harm to civilians. The letter from these groups explicitly states that the arms sale would exacerbate existing humanitarian crises, particularly those stemming from conflicts in Yemen and Libya, where civilian populations have already endured extensive suffering.
Congressional Efforts to Halt the Sale

The opposition has also manifested in legislative action within the US Congress. Three US senators have put forward legislation aimed at halting this specific arms deal. Under US law, senators possess the ability to introduce resolutions of disapproval for major arms transactions, potentially forcing a vote. However, for such resolutions to become effective, they must navigate passage through both the Senate and the House of Representatives, and potentially withstand a presidential veto, requiring significant bipartisan support.
Regional and International Human Rights Advocacy

The coalition opposing the arms sale is not solely composed of US-based organizations. It notably includes prominent human rights groups from the Middle East region itself. Among the signatories are the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies and Mwatana for Human Rights, indicating a broad and geographically diverse base of concern regarding the implications of this significant weapons transfer. This participation from regional actors underscores the direct impact these arms could have on their areas of operation.

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Why are 29 rights groups opposing US arms sales to UAE?

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