UAE is Committed to Promoting and Protecting Human Rights

Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State, delivered the UAE’s speech while heading the country’s delegation to the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council's High-level Segment in Geneva, Switzerland.

Almarar affirmed the UAE’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, outlining that the country’s fourth comprehensive periodic review represented an important opportunity to hold a fruitful and constructive dialogue about the UAE’s record in the field of human rights and the progress achieved in this field. He stressed the UAE’s keenness to support and cooperate with various United Nations entities and mechanisms concerned with human rights.

Almarar added that the UAE is currently working on preparing a national plan for human rights, which is mainly based on implementing the recommendations that were accepted within the framework of the fourth periodic review in 2023.

Furthermore, the UAE Minister of State underlined the continued development of the legislative and institutional system, the adoption of policies and programs related to human rights, and the consolidation of the values of tolerance and coexistence. This was further underscored by the implementation of the law concerning the Regulation of Houses of Worship for Non-Muslims and the federal decree on combating discrimination, hatred and extremism.

Almarar stressed the country’s focus on the file of women empowerment, as evidenced by the Cabinet’s adoption of the National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women (2023-2031) and the National Policy for Improving Women's Health. Moreover, the UAE steadfastly supports women’s participation in peace-building processes and for assisting local communities in areas of conflict across the world, through hosting training programs and launching centres such as the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Centre of Excellence.

With regard to climate change, Almarar emphasised that the UAE believes in the importance of collective cooperation with the international community to confront global challenges. In this context, the country hosted the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which concluded with the adoption of the historic UAE Consensus. The conference also issued numerous important announcements and initiatives, most notably the establishment of a fund worth USD 30 billion to bridge the climate financing gap, and activating the Loss and Damage Fund with contributions amounting to USD 550 million.

Furthermore, Almarar highlighted that in February Abu Dhabi hosted the “Islam and Human Fraternity” conference, which stressed the importance of the Document on Human Fraternity as a global reference for promoting tolerance and coexistence between religions and cultures.

In the field of education, Almarar discussed UAE’s endeavours including developing an educational system to fill a gap in societies suffering from difficult humanitarian conditions around the world, referring to the assistance provided to countries in Africa, and adding that the UAE constantly adopts the Human Rights Council’s resolutions to achieve equal access to education for girls.

He also referred to the activities of the World Government Summit 2024 held in Dubai, under the theme “Shaping Future Governments”, where more than 4,000 individuals participated, including heads of state, in which they discussed mutual files regarding government work.

Almarar stressed that the UAE believes in the importance of international cooperation and multilateral action, especially in the United Nations system, and adherence to international law, and international humanitarian law to confront challenges resulting from global conflicts.

In this context, the UAE Minister of State emphasised the catastrophic humanitarian and dangerous situation as a result of the continuation of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. He underlined the significance of intensifying collective action and joint efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, protect civilians, and facilitate sustainable, safe and unhindered delivery of relief and humanitarian aid to the Strip. Furthermore, Almarar underscored that the UAE continues to call for efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace while reserving regional spill-over that risks further violence, tension and instability. He reiterated the UAE’s position in calling for a two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state.

Almarar highlighted that the UAE continues to support the brotherly Palestinian people, launching the “Gallant Knight 3” humanitarian operation and establishing an air bridge to deliver relief and medical aid to the Strip, which is still ongoing. The country also inaugurated an Emirati field hospital and fully integrated hospital ship in Al-Arish, in addition to the operation of desalination plants and automatic bakeries to supply civilians with water and food. Moreover, the UAE continues receiving wounded children and cancer patients from Gaza for treatment in hospitals in the country, and will work towards ensuring that aid flows to the civilian population in the Strip.

He added,

“The UAE continues to make diplomatic efforts and communicate with all countries and partners to achieve peace in the Middle East. During its non-permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council, the country engaged in an active role in strengthening the foundations of peace and stability.”

In conclusion, Almarar stressed the unwavering commitment of the UAE to continue its journey to advance human rights at the national level, and to work within the framework of its partnership with countries and through the United Nations in this regard.

News Source: Emirates News Agency