Dubai Police And UNITAR Collaborate To Enhance Human Rights Training For Officers

Dubai Police has partnered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to offer a specialised Human Rights training course. This initiative aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of officers by integrating human rights principles into daily policing activities. The course is designed to help officers serve the community with professionalism, fairness, and respect.

The three-day course was organised by Dubai Police’s General Department of Human Rights in collaboration with UNITAR’s Division for Multilateral Diplomacy. It brought together 40 participants from various departments and stations to delve into international human rights standards and their application in policing.

During the course, officers examined several key areas: the international human rights system, the UAE’s global commitments, and how to apply these standards in everyday police work. They also learned about protecting vulnerable groups, analysing real-life scenarios, and using a human-rights-based approach in law enforcement.

Interactive sessions, case studies, and hands-on exercises provided practical tools for participants to apply their newfound knowledge effectively. This approach ensured that officers could translate theoretical concepts into actionable strategies within their roles.

The opening session saw attendance from senior Dubai Police officials such as Brigadier Abdulrahman Al Shaer, Director of the Human Rights Department; Brigadier Dr Jasim Muhammad Abdullah, Deputy Director of Training; Colonel Faisal Al Khamiri, Deputy Director of the Human Rights Department; and Lieutenant Colonel Dr Ali Al Matroushi, Director of the Child and Women Protection Department. Also present were Dr Rabih El-Haddad from UNITAR and international experts Dr Sabrina Wolman, Dr Elodie Tranchet, and Dr Michael Tabal.

Brigadier Al Shaer emphasised that this collaboration underscores Dubai Police’s commitment to upholding human rights in line with the UAE’s national vision. "Our goal is to ensure every officer is equipped with the best global practices so we can build stronger community trust and deliver security services that respect dignity and justice," he stated.

Expanding Cooperation

On the sidelines of the course, Dubai Police and UNITAR signed a formal partnership agreement. This agreement aims to expand cooperation in training, capacity building, child protection, governance, and proactive policing. Both parties committed to forming joint working groups and sharing expertise in key areas.

This initiative aligns with Dubai Police’s broader strategy of preventing misconduct while embedding a culture of respect. It also supports their evolution as a leading force in rights-based policing by fostering an environment where dignity and justice are paramount.

The collaboration between Dubai Police and UNITAR marks a significant step towards enhancing human rights awareness within law enforcement. By focusing on education and practical application, this partnership seeks to build a more informed police force dedicated to serving its community with integrity.

With inputs from WAM