National Human Rights Institution Launches Field Visits To Monitor Labour Conditions In Abu Dhabi

The National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) recently conducted its first field visit to a labour housing facility in Abu Dhabi's Musaffah area. This visit, led by Maqsoud Kruse, aligns with the NHRI's mission to oversee workers' rights under Federal Law No. (12) of 2021. The aim is to ensure that workers enjoy their rights as per national and international standards.

During the visit, the committee evaluated living conditions at the labour housing complex. They examined services provided to workers, such as healthcare, recreational facilities, housing, and food services. The assessment also included reviewing safety measures in place to maintain a healthy work environment according to occupational health and safety standards.

The NHRI's authority for these visits comes from Clause (7) of Article (5) of Federal Law No. (12) of 2021. This clause empowers the NHRI to conduct field visits across various institutions to monitor human rights conditions. These visits are crucial for raising awareness and ensuring adherence to legal frameworks at both national and international levels.

Maqsoud Kruse emphasised the importance of these visits: "This visit falls within the core mandate of the NHRI, which is to conduct field monitoring to promote and protect human rights in the UAE, particularly concerning workers’ rights. It ensures the provision of a suitable work environment with dignified and decent conditions."

The NHRI plans ongoing field visits across different sites in the UAE. These efforts aim to verify compliance with human rights standards at both federal and local levels. The goal is to ensure all groups within its mandate have access to a dignified work environment.

The Field Visits Committee included Dr. Ahmed Al Mansoori, Mohammed Al Hammadi, and Kaltham Al Matrooshi from the NHRI’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Saeed Al Ghufli, Secretary-General of the NHRI, along with human rights experts, also participated in this initiative.

Established under Federal Law No. (12) of 2021, the NHRI operates as an independent entity with financial and administrative autonomy. Its primary focus is on promoting and protecting human rights in line with UAE laws and international treaties.

Maqsoud Kruse highlighted that this initial visit showcases the NHRI’s readiness for on-the-ground monitoring after extensive preparation: "This first field visit demonstrates the NHRI’s institutional readiness to undertake on-the-ground monitoring following extensive efforts, rigorous work, and comprehensive training of the human rights team during the establishment phase."

The NHRI is part of a broader framework where national human rights institutions are recognised under the Paris Principles. These entities are officially mandated by states to promote and protect human rights effectively.

The committee stressed that such visits are vital for fostering a culture of human rights awareness among various societal segments. Discussions with facility officials focused on best practices for enhancing labour rights protection.

Maqsoud Kruse reiterated that through these visits, "the NHRI aims to directly assess conditions, provide recommendations, and propose measures to strengthen and protect workers’ rights, ensuring the enforcement of relevant national laws and regulations."

With inputs from WAM