Union Association for Human Rights affirms UAE’s global leadership

GENEVA / WAM

The Union Association for Human Rights concluded its participation in the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting the UAE’s leadership in human rights advocacy.
The association actively engaged in various human rights activities, delivering over 20 statements on critical issues such as armed conflicts, racial discrimination, extremism, women’s rights, and economic justice.
The association emphasised the UAE’s commitment to the rule of law, fair trials, digital and climate justice, and the rights of all individuals, including women, People of Determination, workers, the elderly, and children. It also highlighted the UAE’s progress in combating racial discrimination, violence, and extremism while promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
The Union Association for Human Rights shed light on the UAE’s efforts to achieve peace and end armed conflicts, as well as its humanitarian aid initiatives. It also highlighted the UAE’s progress in international indicators related to enhancing the rule of law.
Furthermore, the association showcased the UAE’s institutional record in promoting human rights, emphasising its rejection of racism in all forms. This aligns with the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which underscores the international community’s commitment to combating racial discrimination and related intolerance.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, met with Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, to sign a MoU establishing mutual exemption of entry visa requirements
between the two countries. Al Hashimy, along with Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organisations, also met with Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
For her part, Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, announced the UAE’s significant partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to support 20 countries in the Global South to advance their renewable energy and climate goals. By raising the ambition of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the UAE is supporting efforts to close gaps and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
In addition, Al Dahak attended the ‘Turning Methane Pledges into Action’ event, hosted by the International Energy Agency and the COP29 Presidency. She also attended the events: ‘Accelerating Solutions at the Intersection of Climate Change and Food Security’ and ‘Leveraging ambition for 30×30 and beyond: the road to CBD COP16’.
Al Dahak also participated in a Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships dialogue on ‘Delivering Climate Action through National-Subnational Collaboration’, along with the Global Renewable Summit 2024 High-Level Plenary on Global Renewables.
For his part, Sheikh Shakhboot Al Nahyan, Minister of State, participated in the 6th Summit of the European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East (ECAM), as well side events on ‘Africa’s Natural Resources Shaping the Future’ and the ‘UAE-Africa Trade Corridor’. He’s participation in these events reflects the UAE’s commitment to promoting sustainable, long-term prosperity and development in Africa.
Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State, and Dr. Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister of Medical Affairs and Life Sciences, participated in a meeting of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.
Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Foreign Minister, engaged in discussions with Hillary Clinton, former US Secretary of State; Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs; as well as Martin Griffiths, former UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.
Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, participated in the event ‘Climate, Relief, Recovery, and Peace: Enabling Climate Action in the most Vulnerable and Fragile Settings’.
For his part, Saeed Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, participated in the annual BRICS Sherpa meeting.
Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Al Nahyan, also attended the Concordia Annual Summit session on ‘Digital Financial Literacy’. Her Highness met with Ann Warner, Interim CEO of the International Centre for Research on Women.
During its participation in the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the UAE looks forward to continuing its role as a reliable partner, supporting international efforts to build stable and prosperous societies.