By Melanie Nathan, April 19, 2025.
The war in Sudan has added significantly to the major refugee crisis as many flee certain death. Innocent people are dying, rape is a weapon and UAE is funding this horror.
This is also impacting LGBTQ refugees throughout the region. The UNHCR protection environment is gravely at risk due to the current US regime abdication from its global obligations. This is a crisis of humongous proportions.
South african born comedian Trevor Noah is set to perform at a comedy festival in the United Arab Emirates on April 26. At first glance, this seems like just another show. But beneath the surface, it’s deeply troubling:
The United Arab Emirates is fueling the brutal war in Sudan – funneling weapons and money to one of the warring parties, intensifying the suffering of countless innocent civilians. And in order to divert the world’s attention from it – they are hosting glitzy events featuring global icons. This should not mask the horror of the war.
Trevor Noah is more than just a comedian – he is a voice for justice. Through his humor and using his platform, he has consistently given a voice to those who are often unheard.
Noah has yet to respond to the organizations who have asked him in private not to perform.
African Human Rights Coalition joins this host of organizations asking Trevor Noah not to perform in the United Arab Emirates and to speak out against the UAE support of the horrific genocidal war. We believe performing in the UAE at this moment not only stands in stark contrast to Trevor Noah’s activism for peace and justice, but also serves to prop up the very war and resulting displacement that we believe with proper understanding he probably abhors. We are calling on Trevor Noah to stand on the right side of history, and cancel his show, and speak out on Sudan!
By Melanie Nathan
Country Conditions Expert African for Asylum Cases,
Sudan and 20 other African Countries.
www.AfricanHRC.org/donate
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