Human Rights Watch keeping tabs on U.A.E.

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BEIRUT, Lebanon, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Authorities in the United Arab Emirates should open an investigation into allegations state security officials may be complicit in torture, a rights group said.

Human Rights Watch joined a consortium of Arab rights groups in recognizing the Emirati accession to a convention against torture in July. It expressed concern, however, over alleged torture of two Syrian nationals held in state custody.

Joe Stork, Human Rights Watch deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, said in a statement from Beirut that he was concerned that Emirati allies would remain silent given the likelihood of "serious international crimes."

The rights organization in July said more than two dozen members of the Reform and Social Guidance Associated were arrested in the United Arab Emirates. State media said they were arrested for conspiring against the government.

A 2010 report to the United Nations noted that the United Arab Emirates isn't party to protocols on the rights of children, the sale of children, child pornography or the use of child soldiers.

Human Rights Watch noted at least 60 civil society activists and human rights supports in the United Arab Emirates are in detention without formal charge by authorities.