The UAE's renewed commitment to action at the UN Human Rights Council

The rights of young girls is at the forefront of the UAE's human rights agenda. AFP

Once again, the UAE finds itself at the table as the Human Rights Council kicks off its 49th session, using diplomatic leadership to work with all members constructively and inclusively to address human rights challenges around the globe.

The Human Rights Council should be celebrated as one of the only multilateral vehicles today to discuss, deliberate and, most importantly, address human rights violations around the world. The UAE was elected for a three-year term on the Council at the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly, and will join India, Malaysia, Qatar and Kazakhstan for the same term. It is the UAE’s third time being elected since the Council was established in 2006, and the country will serve as part of the Asia-Pacific Group to ensure the voices of underrepresented states will be heard.

As we move into this next term, it is important to both celebrate our successes and acknowledge the barriers we still face. As the world has endured major challenges over the last year, the rights of women and girls remain a key priority. From Yemen to Afghanistan, the region’s women must not be forgotten.

The work of the Human Rights Council has never been more important as we aim to build back a better world following the Covid-19 pandemic. To do so, we all must stand in solidarity and work through multilateral diplomacy to drive solutions in a constructive manner. The UAE will work tirelessly to ensure the Council fulfills its mandate in combating injustice around the world.

The Human Rights Council has already proven its ability to operate in challenging circumstances. While the pandemic disrupted daily life in every country without exception, human rights violations continued, and even worsened, in some parts of the world. Recognising the need to double down on its commitments during this period, the Human Rights Council remained resilient and moved to a virtual platform to ensure continuity in holding sessions among members. It has been impressive to witness how former presidents of the Council, Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger of Austria and Ambassador Nazhat Khan of Fiji, directed the Human Rights Council with stellar leadership, courage and grace, a true testament of women’s ability to lead.

2021 was the most intense year in the history of the Council, with three regular sessions and an unprecedented five special sessions on Afghanistan, Myanmar, the Occupied Palestine Territory, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Last year, while the UAE was an observer state, I am very proud of what we accomplished in efforts to promote and protect human rights around the world.

One of the greatest achievements was in the area of girls’ education. As we approach International Women’s Day, we must remember that girls are the future. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted global education, and almost 11 million girls did not return to school, making it a critical issue for the Council to address – especially in lower-income countries – out of fear of damaging an entire generation.

To address this issue, the UAE and UK joined hands to lead a landmark resolution on girls’ access to 12 years of quality education. The resolution was adopted at the 47th session of the Human Rights Council, and we were extremely proud of the outcome, with 97 countries supporting our vision.

Moreover, the Council requested the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the realisation of the equal enjoyment of the right to education by every girl, highlighting the most important challenges that girls face.

Through its engagement with the UN system, the UAE has also made notable progress in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including through the launch of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s Women, Peace and Security Initiative and the launch of the UAE National Action Plan in response to UNSCR 1325. The plan aims to respond to gender perspectives in foreign policies and prevent and combat violent extremism, among other objectives.

Last year, at the Council, we proudly worked with the Permanent Missions of Israel, Bahrain and Morocco, in co-ordination with the University of Peace, to deliver a joint statement on Women, Peace and Diplomacy, calling on all states to strongly commit to ensuring women are included in the peace process and peace-building.

When a state becomes a member of the Human Rights Council, it must outline commitments to guide its work. Among its commitments, the UAE has resolved to further empower women, promote and protect the rights of children, improve the quality of life of senior citizens and advance the rights of people of determination. Furthermore, we will continue to promote the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith and intercultural dialogue at the Human Rights Council, all the while taking concerted action to mitigate climate change and strengthen public health co-operation as we collectively recover from the pandemic.

Ultimately, protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms is a long path that requires dedication and resolve. In beginning its third term on the Human Rights Council, the UAE approaches its responsibility towards the world’s most vulnerable with the utmost seriousness. The work we do at the Human Rights Council is significant in lending a voice to the oppressed and ensuring they may lead lives of dignity.

Safeguarding the right to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment are pillars of the UAE’s approach to securing peace and prosperity around the world. It is only by working together to eradicate discrimination, extremism, poverty and inequality that we may begin to achieve our shared vision for a better world.