ABU DHABI, 28th July, 2023 (WAM) — The Board of Trustees of the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) held its eighth meeting recently, chaired by its Chairperson Maqsoud Kruse.
The agenda included reviewing the implementation of previous decisions and approving the formation of the "Strategic Committee" in the institution headed by Dr. Ahmed Al Mansoori.
The Board also reviewed cooperation progress with the Asia-Pacific Forum, an affiliate of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. They also discussed projects for memorandums of understanding between the NHRI, universities, and research centres to develop human rights and academic cadres in this field.
The six permanent committees of the Board presented updates on their work and upcoming projects. The Board also reviewed the plan for future field visits to national human rights institutions and the outcomes of the recent visits.
Furthermore, the Board reviewed the National Human Rights Institution's participation report, as an observer, in the 43rd session of the Universal Periodic Review, held on 8th May 2023, to discuss the UAE's fourth national report.
The Board of Trustees also expressed their appreciation for the international recognition and praise received during the 43rd session of the Universal Periodic Review, recognising the establishment of the NHRI as an independent entity, operating in accordance with the principles of Paris, and highlighting its role in promoting and protecting human rights.
At the institutional level, the Board was briefed on the progress of the recruitment plan, the efforts made to attract specialised talents and calibres, the mechanisms to activate the organisational and functional structure, and the mandates of the organisational units at the NHRI.
The Board also discussed a project to conduct educational workshops in human rights for the NHRI's staff to enhance their human rights skills along with their specialised expertise in various fields. They also reviewed the NHRI's media plan, which covered the achievements and activities during the previous period and upcoming initiatives and projects, particularly those related to promoting human rights culture.
These initiatives include the launch of "Manaber" series and the "Rights" newsletter, along with awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing the concept of "Human Rights Communication".
The National Human Rights Institution was established in 2021 per Federal Law No. (12) as an independent institution that enjoys financial and administrative independence and aims to protect and promote human rights in the UAE by taking into account the country's Constitution, mandates, and other relevant international treaties. .
The institution complies with the Paris Principles as it sets the basis for regulating the work of national human rights institutions approved by the United Nations.