National Human Rights Committee organizes workshop on Universal Periodic Review in cooperation with UN

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) organized a workshop on the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights in cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review Branch of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. His Excellency Yacoub Al Hosani, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Organisations Affairs, and His Excellency Saeed Al Hebsi, Director of the Human Rights Department at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, participated in the workshop, along with His Excellency Gianni Magazzeni, Chief of the Universal Periodic Review Branch, and Mohammed Abu Harthiya, Country Coordinator of the Mechanisms of the Universal Periodic Review for Human Rights, in the presence of representatives of various government agencies.

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Al Hosani underscored the UAE's support for the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and its important contributions to the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices between UN Member States and human rights bodies.

His Excellency also expressed his appreciation for the pivotal role played by the Universal Periodic Review Branch, particularly in providing technical support to UN Member States in the Universal Periodic Review process. He also reviewed the progress of the preparatory process led by the National Human Rights Committee regarding follow-up on its fourth national report in this regard. 

For his part, His Excellency Magazzeni provided an overview of the review mechanism and discussed key documents that countries use in preparing the report. He also addressed the implementation of UPR recommendations and the nexus between human rights and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

For his part, Abu Harthiya delivered a presentation on national implementation mechanisms, reporting, and follow-up; a human rights-based approach to data management; and how to prepare national human rights plans.

His Excellency Al Hebsi discussed key lessons learned from the previous periodic reviews presented by the UAE at the Human Rights Council in 2008, 2013, and 2018, which covered the development of legislative frameworks, national human rights mechanisms, and strategies. He also addressed strengthening cooperation with UN Member States and bodies as part of the Universal Periodic Review framework.

The workshop came as part of the preparatory process led by the National Human Rights Committee, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President and Chairman of the Committee on the Fourth National Human Rights Report. The workshop also aimed to bolster technical cooperation between the UAE and the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights Branch.