Detained in Dubai 'grateful' so many home for Christmas
- Detained in Dubai
- 31 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Detained in Dubai has helped hundreds of human rights victims this 2025 and will continue saving lives into the New Year.
As we welcome the New Year, we reflect on a year that ended with something truly precious for so many people: being home for Christmas. This includes the many clients whose cases have been public like Albert Douglas, Mia O'Brien and just as importantly, those whose names will never appear in headlines. Families reunited, parents back with their children, partners no longer separated by borders, detention, or fear. These moments, often quiet and unseen, are the real measure of success.
We also recognise those who are now safe, protected, and no longer facing immediate threat. Some are rebuilding their lives privately after long ordeals. Others, such as Roger Ver, are secure and able to focus on their future rather than survival. Whether through release, safe relocation, the lifting of travel bans, or the prevention of abusive international actions, each outcome represents a life stabilised and a crisis averted.
As the New Year begins, we carry forward deep gratitude and renewed determination.
Every person who is free, safe, or reunited today reinforces why this work matters.
We remain committed to standing with those still fighting, protecting those at risk, and ensuring that no one is left alone when justice fails them.
May the year ahead bring continued safety, healing, accountability, and peace to all those we have supported and those yet to come.
As CEO of Detained in Dubai, Radha Stirling issued a statement:
“As CEO of Detained in Dubai, I want to thank everyone who trusted us during what was often the most frightening period of their lives. I also want to acknowledge the families who endured months or years of uncertainty, the quiet supporters who helped behind the scenes, and the professionals who acted with integrity when it mattered most. This work is never easy, and it is never abstract. It involves real people, real fear, and real consequences. "
"This year also carried deep sadness with the loss of Marcus Fakana, whose story will never be forgotten and whose family remains in our thoughts."
"To see so many others home for Christmas, including those whose cases were public such as Albert Douglas and Mia O’Brien, and many more who remain private, is deeply humbling. On behalf of Detained in Dubai, I wish you peace and stability in the year ahead. Happy New Year 2026.”
CEO at Detained in Dubai
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