Delivered by: Ms. Reem Al Ameri

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to thank you for your efforts in managing this meeting, and I would also like to thank the Special Rapporteurs for presenting their reports to the Committee. We also thank the Secretary-General for his efforts in issuing a series of important reports under this item.

The UAE attaches utmost importance to promoting and protecting human rights within the framework of its constitution and legislative system, which supports the principles of equality and respect for rights. This is also in line with the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international agreements to which the UAE has acceded.  We believe in the important and pivotal role of the United Nations Human Rights Council in promoting and protecting human rights, and we are proud to be a member of this Council for the period 2022-2024.

As we discuss human rights today, we must talk about the ongoing suffering caused by the war on Gaza, and the humanitarian crises facing our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon. They are deprived of their most basic rights; therefore, the UAE calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, respect for international law, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. We must also prevent this dire situation from deteriorating to the point that threatens the stability of the entire region.

The violations to human rights, witnessed around the world, make it necessary for us to explore ways to protect and promote human rights at the international level. In this context, the UAE would like to present the following recommendations:

First, the international community must ensure that policies are in place to protect the human rights of all members of society, including women, children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. In this regard, we have taken many institutional and legislative measures to promote and protect human rights in the UAE. At the institutional level, the Permanent Committee for Human Rights was established in 2021 as a national coordinating mechanism concerned with human rights to prepare and develop the National Human Rights Plan. Several policies and strategies were also adopted, most notably the Gender Balance Council Strategy for 2026, the National Family Policy, and the National Youth Strategy.

Second, the role of legal institutions in protecting human rights must be activated. In this context, the UAE has introduced significant comprehensive amendments to national laws, most notably laws related to combating discrimination and hatred, crimes and criminal penalties, and commercial cases. Moreover, addressing the problem of human trafficking, one of the most widespread organized crimes, is one of the UAE’s top priorities. We have taken many measures to improve access to justice for victims of human trafficking, including Federal Law No. (24) of 2023 to combat human trafficking, which stipulates guaranteeing the rights of victims and providing them with medical and psychological support.

Third, states should participate in international events and partnerships focusing on human rights, to exchange best practices and cooperate in addressing human rights challenges around the world. Within the framework of cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, the UAE Permanent Committee for Human Rights, in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, conducted a workshop last April on establishing a national database for tracking and implementing all recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism that we accepted during the fourth session, which reflects our commitment to promoting human rights.

To conclude, Mr. President,

The UAE reiterates its firm commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. We are also committed to continuing to work with our international partners to enhance global efforts and initiatives. The UAE calls on the international community to adhere to the principles of justice, equality, and human rights and rejects all forms of double-standard treatment.

Thank you, Mr. President.