The World Council for Public Diplomacy and Community Dialogue claims to defend and support human rights, as well as promote public diplomacy and community engagement on a global scale. However, in reality, the organization is run by UAE lobbyists and promotes and defends the interests of the UAE.
The president of the organization, Andy Vermaut, a Belgian journalist with a history of advocacy within various international human rights groups, has been conspicuously vocal in championing the UAE’s policies. This raises serious concerns about the organization’s true agenda, suggesting that it may be more focused on promoting the interests of the UAE rather than genuinely advancing human rights or global public diplomacy. Vermaut’s close ties to UAE interests call into question the organization’s credibility and its claims of impartiality.
His public remarks represent the UAE as a model of progress in labour rights and environmental initiatives, despite continued international criticism of the country’s record in these areas. His acceptance of UAE policies contrasts sharply with his denunciation of Qatar, highlighting an evident pro-UAE bias that independent observers and NGOs have widely criticised. He has long been associated with promoting the UAE’s interests, despite its controversial record on human rights. Vermaut is also known for his right-wing, pro-Israeli Zionist views, with a longstanding history of advocating for Israel’s policies in Europe.
On October 15th, 2022, in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC), protesters called for the prosecution of Sudanese military leader General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan for crimes against humanity. Andy Vermaut, President of the World Council for Public Diplomacy and Community Dialogue, participated in the event as an agent of the UAE. The UAE opposes Al-Burhan, as it supports the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which are currently engaged in the ongoing Sudanese civil war. Al-Burhan is leading the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the RSF, which is backed by the UAE.
By serving the UAE’s interests, Andy Vermaut stated, “Thousands of lives have been lost in Sudan as a result of Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan’s rule. This criminal head of state, who organized last year’s coup in Sudan, should be judged here in The Hague, just like Omar al-Bashir, who, on 11 February 2020, the Sudanese government announced had agreed to be handed over to the ICC for trial. Al-Burhan, a man unconcerned with peaceful coexistence, the benefit of his nation and its people, or cooperation in achieving harmony, has taken over as Sudan’s second dictator, succeeding Omar al-Bashir.”
However, Vermaut overlooks the fact that Sudan is a key part of the UAE’s strategy in Africa and the Middle East, aimed at gaining political and economic hegemony while stifling democratic movements. By sponsoring the RSF in Sudan, the UAE has actively undermined the democratic transition that followed the 2019 ouster of Omar al-Bashir, Sudan’s longtime dictator. Furthermore, the RSF’s business, finance, logistics, and PR operations are largely run out of the UAE, further entrenching its influence in Sudan while paradoxically promoting a narrative of support for democracy.
