PUBLIC STATEMENT

Dear partners, allies, human rights defenders, and the global LGBTIQ+ community,

Through this statement, we express our deep concern and call for collective action to prevent members of the trans community from experiencing the same discriminatory and degrading treatment that was endured by human rights defender and founder of Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO, Lilit Martirosyan.

In May 2025, Lilit Martirosyan was officially invited to São Paulo, Brazil, to participate in an international human rights convening. Her return trip was scheduled through Mombasa, Kenya, for another professional engagement. The layover was in Dubai International Airport, and the flights were operated by Emirates Airlines.

At the São Paulo airport, Lilit approached the Emirates check-in counter, handed over her luggage and presented her passport. When she asked whether hotel accommodation during the 14-hour layover in Dubai would be arranged at the “Dubai Connect” service center upon arrival, the agent confirmed that she was eligible for the program and would receive accommodation in Dubai. The agent then asked several follow-up questions regarding her citizenship and the purpose of travel. Lilit noticed the staff member held her passport for an unusually long time without explanation, and his behavior raised concerns that something was wrong. Nonetheless, she was allowed to board Emirates flight EK262 to Dubai.

Upon arrival in Dubai, after a 14-hour flight, Lilit was intercepted at the gate by airport security officers and asked to follow them without explanation. She was taken to the immigration office, where her passport was immediately confiscated without legal basis. She was photographed without her consent, held in detention for more than five hours, moved from room to room while forced to fill out declarations, and treated in a way typical of criminal suspects. When she asked what was happening, an officer responded, “You are a trans person” and told her she could not enter Dubai.

Even though Lilit was only a transit passenger and had no intention of entering the UAE, she was denied access to hotel accommodation already arranged (despite being eligible), and was instead offered a paid hotel inside the airport by immigration officials. When she approached the Emirates help desk inside the terminal for assistance, she was told, “We cannot help you.” Lilit remained without food, water, sleep, or dignified treatment for over 14 hours. She was forced to sleep on hard, cold chairs—emotionally and physically broken.

Her passport was held unlawfully and only returned one hour before her FlyDubai flight to Mombasa. She was escorted by security personnel to her gate, in a manner reminiscent of the treatment of detainees. She was issued a slip by border control confirming that her passport was in their possession. The entire process was illegal and degrading.

Lilit sent complaint letters to Emirates directly from the airport and was told she would receive a response within 30 business days. After arriving in Armenia, she sent multiple letters demanding a formal investigation and explanation. The responses received were unsatisfactory.

In its replies, Emirates claimed that the second segment of her trip was operated by FlyDubai and that they were not responsible. However, the São Paulo–Dubai flight was fully operated by Emirates. Based on Lilit Martirosyan’s suspicions, the discriminatory treatment began at the Emirates check-in desk in São Paulo, where the staff member likely sent an internal message to Dubai authorities disclosing Lilit’s gender identity.

It should be noted that Lilit has previously transited through Dubai—including on January 29, 2025—without incident. This further supports the belief that this episode was the result of an internal alert from the São Paulo check-in desk.

One of Emirates’ replies stated: "While we acknowledge how distressing this must have been for you, regrettably we are unable to assist on this occasion... we do not have jurisdiction in these situations."

This is unacceptable. Lilit Martirosyan never sought entry into the UAE—she was simply a transit passenger. There was no legal basis for confiscating her passport, photographing her, or denying her the accommodation promised in Emirates’ own policy for layovers exceeding 8 hours.

To date, Emirates has not launched any internal investigation to determine who sent the alert or on what grounds.

Lilit only now speaks publicly about this experience after safely returning to Armenia, as her return flight also passed through Dubai and disclosing earlier could have jeopardized her safety. She has received no apology, no investigation results, and no accountability. Emirates continues to issue evasive and vague responses that ignore her central demand for transparency and responsibility.

It must also be noted that Dubai International Airport is equipped with surveillance systems, and all actions taken against Lilit Martirosyan were recorded. Emirates has the ability to request this footage and investigate the incident. Their failure to do so reflects an intentional avoidance of responsibility.

Legal Grounds

The treatment of Lilit Martirosyan may constitute violations of international law, including:

• Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (arbitrary detention),
• The Yogyakarta Principles (non-discrimination based on gender identity),
• The UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, considering the long detention, denial of rest, and psychological harm.

From a contractual perspective, Emirates also breached its duty to provide basic services to a transit passenger, including hotel accommodation and support during a layover exceeding 14 hours.

OUR DEMANDS

• Emirates must immediately conduct an internal investigation to determine who sent the alert to Dubai immigration authorities and on what basis.
• Emirates must issue a formal apology, disclose the findings, and provide compensation for the psychological and material harm caused.
• International airline partners must re-evaluate their codeshare agreements and collaborations with Emirates.

OUR CALL

We urge the international trans, queer, and human rights communities to share this story, boycott Emirates Airlines, and avoid transiting through Dubai International Airport until full accountability is ensured.

This is a story of discrimination and a gross violation of dignity—carried out in a major international airport by a leading airline.

Discrimination and degradation must never be forgotten or ignored.

With respect,
Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO