UAE submits candidacy for UN Human Rights Council

The UAE has announced its candidacy for membership of the UN Human Rights Council for 2028 to 2030, Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi said on Tuesday.

Al Kaabi said the UAE, in cooperation with Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is launching a training program to prepare a national workforce specialising in the field of human rights.

The official emphasised the UAE’s committed to promoting and protecting human rights and working alongside its international partners through the United Nations to promote it worldwide.

Minister Al Kaabi highlighted that several laws in 2024 reflect the demographic diversity in the country, saying the UAE enacted reforms to the Personal Affairs' Law, which provides a comprehensive legal framework that regulates personal affairs. Additionally, the country "has issued federal laws regarding correctional facilities, and social empowerment."

She underscored that the UAE government has adopted an interconnected and integrated system of national policies and strategies to enhance and ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms. These include the National Action Plan (NAP) for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security aimed at ensuring women’s active participation in conflict prevention, and the National Policy for Senior Emiratis.

Other notable policies include the Gender Balance Council Strategy 2026, the National Policy for the Empowerment of Emirati Women 2031, the National Policy on Vaccinations, the National Family Policy, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, and the UAE Centennial 2071, all of which form part of the UAE’s long-term strategic vision for human development.

Al Kaabi further stated, “The UAE declared 2025 as the “Year of Community”, a national initiative embodying the leadership’s vision to foster a cohesive and prosperous community. This reflects the country’s belief that a strong and stable community empowers our nation to achieve its ambitions, address challenges, and plan for the future.”