NGOs hail UAE’s significant progress in promoting and protecting human rights

The UAE is set to present its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to the UN on May 8, highlighting its progress in enhancing the human rights situation in the country and addressing international obligations.

According to the International Movement for Peace and Coexistence (IMPAC), a report prepared by an international coalition of 53 NGOs shows the Emirates has made major progress in promoting and protecting human rights, and that these achievements have powerful implications for the wider Middle East region.

The coalition released its report at an international event attended by a number of experts, researchers and academics, which reviewed the UAE’s efforts and advances over the past fifty years.

The human rights organisations also organised an international symposium in Geneva, Switzerland. Experts monitoring the human rights situation and representatives from several countries attended the symposium and discussed the recent progress made in the UAE.

Eight international experts spoke at the symposium, considering many aspects of the leadership achieved by the Emirates, especially in the sectors of political, economic and civil rights, environment protection, education and training, achieving peace, and promoting tolerance.

Furthermore, the coalition participated in the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council by presenting a number of written statements to the HRC, including reviewing the Mideast nation’s prominent advances in achieving climate justice and central role in hosting the upcoming COP28 climate summit in November this year.

The UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, making the country the first in the region to do so.

Coalition members also made seven oral statements, including underscoring the Emirates’ successful efforts in fighting extremism and global terrorism. The efforts the country has put in towards promoting women’s rights were also lauded, especially the work of the President of the Supreme Council for Women, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.