Delivered by: Ms. Aaesha Al Ali, Attache’
Madam Chair,
At the outset, the United Arab Emirates wishes to express its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report contained in document A/81/184, entitled “Strengthening and Coordinating United Nations Rule of Law Activities.”
Madam Chair,
The UAE affirms its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the rules of international law, which are fundamental and indispensable to maintaining international peace and security, promoting stability and prosperity, and establishing an international order founded on justice and equality.
As our world faces growing crises, conflicts and challenges, my country affirms that strengthening the rule of law at the international level requires the consistent and non-selective application of international law, the fulfillment of international obligations, the full and effective implementation of binding United Nations resolutions, particularly those of the Security Council, and ensuring accountability, in accordance with the law, for violations thereof. This is a shared responsibility that requires stronger international cooperation and the translation of commitments into practical steps and tangible results, thereby strengthening confidence in the international system based on respect for the law.
Madam Chair,
In this spirit, the UAE recently hosted the Fifteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, during which Member States adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration by consensus, providing a framework for international action over the next five years in the areas of crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law. The Declaration reflects a shared international commitment to strengthening the rule of law through enhancing access to justice, developing effective institutions capable of addressing current and emerging challenges, and strengthening international cooperation in this field, thereby helping to translate the principles of the rule of law into practical measures.
My country has also acceded to the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation. This step supports the role of mediation as an effective means of resolving international commercial disputes and facilitates the cross-border recognition and enforcement of settlement agreements resulting from mediation, thereby strengthening the rule of law.
Madam Chair,
At the national level, since its establishment, my country has been committed to strengthening the rule of law in its Constitution and national legislation, making justice and the rule of law two fundamental pillars in the development of the Union. The UAE continues to develop its legislative and judicial framework in ways that enhance the efficiency of the justice system, safeguard rights, and keep pace with rapidly evolving developments and changing circumstances. In this context, the UAE recently adopted an integrated framework for mediation and conciliation in civil and commercial disputes. This framework strengthens alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and contributes to expediting proceedings and reducing costs, while ensuring integrity, impartiality, and confidentiality. It also supports the UAE’s efforts to move toward a digital and flexible justice system by allowing mediation and conciliation proceedings to be conducted remotely and by granting approved settlement agreements enforceable legal effect.
In the same context, my country attaches particular importance to ensuring equal access to justice and strengthening women’s participation in the legal and judicial system. Emirati women continue to play an active role in the judicial, legal, and legislative fields, including by assuming leadership roles and contributing to the development and enhanced efficiency of judicial services. This forms part of a national approach based on equal opportunity, the protection of rights, and the advancement of women’s participation in various areas of public life, as integral to the rule of law and to ensuring justice for all.
In conclusion, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to continuing to support efforts aimed at strengthening the rule of law at both the national and international levels and to consolidating an international order founded on respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law, thereby strengthening confidence in the multilateral system and contributing to the achievement of peace, security, stability, and prosperity for all.
Thank you, Madam Chair.