UAE And OHCHR Host Workshop To Boost Implementation Of Human Rights Recommendations

The United Arab Emirates is taking significant strides in the field of human rights through the organization of a three-day workshop by the Permanent Committee for Human Rights (PCHR). This initiative, in collaboration with the regional Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Beirut, focuses on the role of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRFs). The workshop aims to develop national plans for implementing international human rights recommendations.

Hind Alowais, Director of PCHR, inaugurated the workshop with an opening speech that underscored the importance of NMIRFs in formulating national strategies to action international human rights recommendations. Alowais emphasized the UAE's commitment to bolstering cooperation with OHCHR. This partnership is pivotal for exchanging information, expertise, and best practices in human rights, alongside enhancing PCHR's capabilities.

Alowais further elaborated on PCHR's responsibilities in monitoring the UAE's adherence to accepted recommendations from the fourth periodic review on human rights. She highlighted the critical role of collaboration between PCHR and OHCHR in tracking national recommendations for human rights. This cooperation is deemed essential for facilitating PCHR’s work in monitoring the nation’s progress in line with international treaty bodies' recommendations.

From his side, Mazen Shaqoura, Regional Representative of OHCHR in Beirut, expressed optimism about the workshop marking the beginning of technical collaboration between the UAE and OHCHR. He stressed that the workshop aims to showcase OHCHR's resources to bolster technical capacities and support countries during their reform planning phase.

The workshop attracted representatives from PCHR members and delved into the structure and capabilities of national policies and procedures related to NMIRFs. It also covered best practices in the Arab region and globally. A significant outcome of this workshop is the introduction of a database for tracking the implementation of recommendations issued by international human rights mechanisms. This tool is designed for planning, monitoring, report preparation, database acquisition and operation mechanisms, as well as information management.

Established at the end of 2019 and chaired by Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, PCHR serves as a national system for implementing, reporting, and follow-up on human rights issues. It acts as the national focal point in the UAE in this field. The Committee's cooperation with regional and international organizations underscores its commitment to enhancing human rights awareness and building national capacities through annual events and specialized workshops.

This collaborative effort between PCHR and OHCHR signifies a forward step in strengthening human rights practices within the UAE. It reflects a broader commitment to international cooperation and capacity building in human rights advocacy and implementation.

With inputs from WAM