Delivered by: Ghanem Alzaabi
Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the President of the Human Rights Council for his valuable efforts and for presenting this report, which reflects the tireless work of the Human Rights Council. The report of the Human Rights Council sheds light on many critical issues facing the international community regarding human rights, as it is the main reference for setting the path towards greater cooperation and joint action in promoting and protecting these rights.
The report highlights the importance of addressing the growing threats to human rights, at a time when there is an increasing need to enhance international cooperation, ensure the protection of human rights for all members of society, including women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, or as they are called in my country, “people of determination.” The report also accentuates the need to promote and protect human rights in conflict zones, and the role of the international community in providing humanitarian support to alleviate the suffering of affected communities.
The report also addresses the accelerating impact of climate change on human rights, especially on communities most vulnerable to these changes, which reflects the need to step up international efforts to tackle the repercussions of climate change. We stress the importance of the increasing role of technology to protect human rights, since technology represents a valuable tool to support and promote the rights of individuals and communities. It is also important to consider Artificial intelligence when developing new ways to protect human rights, which is exactly what my country did when it launched the “Artificial Intelligence for Safer Children” initiative in cooperation with the United Nations Center for Combating Organized Crime and Crime Prevention (UNCRI), with the aim of harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence to protect children against exploitation.
Mr. President,
In light of today’s discussion, I would like to outline my country’s efforts during our membership in the Human Rights Council for the period 2022-2024.
First, promoting human rights: My country is committed to promoting and protecting human rights at the national and international levels. We emphasize the need to foster dialogue and cooperation among states, while seeking common solutions to the challenges facing human rights globally through encouraging mutual understanding and building bridges of cooperation.
Second, participating in the Universal Periodic Review mechanism: The UAE actively participates in the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, laying out its human rights record and responding to recommendations submitted by other countries. We emphasize the role played by this mechanism, which effectively contributes to transparency, exchange of expertise, and access to international best practices in relation to human rights.
In keeping with all the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, which was approved by the UAE in the fourth session, the Permanent Committee for Human Rights in the UAE, in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, conducted a workshop last April on establishing a national database for tracking recommendations to underline our commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.
Third, supporting the right to education: Here, I would like to draw attention to the key role my country played during its membership in the Human Rights Council, in cooperation with the United Kingdom. We presented a resolution aimed at promoting the right of girls to education, especially in conflict-affected areas and developing countries. The resolution stresses the need to provide 12 years of quality education as a basic right, and to support initiatives aimed at empowering girls through education. This commitment reflects the UAE’s awareness of the importance of education to empower individuals and achieve sustainable development.
Mr. President,
It is necessary to shed light on the ongoing humanitarian suffering caused by the war on Gaza, where Palestinian civilians are deprived of their most basic rights. My country remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause, and we stress the need to cease fire in Gaza and Lebanon, and to prevent the deterioration of the dire situation, which may threaten the stability of the entire region. We also firmly believe that lasting peace in the region can only be achieved by granting the Palestinian people the right to self-determination, in accordance with international law, ending the occupation, and establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the two-state solution.
Regarding the humanitarian situation in Myanmar, it is unacceptable for this worsening crisis to lapse into oblivion. We must ratch up international efforts to reach comprehensive, lasting, and immediate solutions — in line with UN resolutions, including those recently adopted by the Human Rights Council, with the need to address the root causes of the crisis in Rakhine State and create the lay the groundwork for the return of Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons, as indicated in the Human Rights Council report. My country also supports the efforts of the international community, led by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to resolve the crisis of the Rohingya Muslims and create an environment for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees and displaced persons.
Finally, Mr. President,
The UAE affirms its firm commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and to continue working with international partners to enhance international efforts and initiatives in this regard. It also urges the international community to adhere to the principles of the rule of law, justice, and equality to ensure human rights for all, without double standards. Let us work together to build a world in which everyone enjoys their full rights, without exception.
Thank you, Mr. President