HE Obaid Al Zaabi addresses Human Rights Council during 24th session of Universal Periodic Review

Ambassador H.E. Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organisations in Geneva, has delivered a speech before the Human Rights Council, during the review of Belgium's national human rights report, as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), whose 24th session is currently being held from January 18th-29th in Geneva.

In the beginning of his speech, H.E. Al Zaabi welcomed the Belgian delegation, chaired by Didier Reynders, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, expressing his thanks and appreciation for Belgium's commitment to human rights and its achievements in this field. 

The UAE Ambassador also praised the measures taken by the Belgian government in promoting the rights of children, women and those with special needs.

H.E. Al Zaabi went on to express his concerns regarding the report, which highlighted religious discrimination, ethnic violence and the anti-Islam phenomenon.

Based on the mechanism used in the UPR, H.E. Al Zaabi recommended to the Belgian delegation to implement public awareness campaigns in order to promote tolerance and respect for cultural diversity, as well as to address stereotypes, discrimination, racism and anti-Muslim sentiment.

He also recommended to the Belgian delegation to take measures to eliminate religious discrimination, including prohibitions imposed on religious symbols and dress codes.