Since its establishment in 1971, the United Arab Emirates has been committed to affirming its respect for and adherence to the principles of justice, equality, as well as the protection and promotion of human rights. To achieve this, it has underlined its national, regional, and international obligations stemming from its cultural heritage and traditions. The UAE has sought to build a legislative framework consistent with the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and has endeavored to establish a tolerant and multicultural society.
The Constitution of the United Arab Emirates guarantees and safeguards rights and freedoms, ensuring equal justice for everyone before the law. It prohibits discrimination in all its forms and criminalizes torture and arbitrary arrest or detention, as well as humiliating or degrading treatment. The Constitution also respects freedom of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
The UAE has a strong record of accomplishments in various fields related to human rights, further supported by pioneering initiatives rooted in noble humanitarian values. These confirm the country’s commitment to building a state of institutions and law, respecting the rule of law, and ensuring justice and equality for all. This is echoed by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” who has stated: “The people of the UAE have been the core focus of the nation and its highest priority since its inception, and the principle of ensuring citizens’ wellbeing and care shall remain the foundation of all our future plans.”
The United Arab Emirates serves as a leading example in adhering to international and regional human rights standards. Since joining international and regional conventions, it has adopted a wide range of treaties and charters that reinforce the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. This commitment has been reflected in the formulation of national policies aligned with the latest global standards, which in turn has contributed to the nation’s social and economic development and reaffirmed the values of justice and equality. Through its active participation in these international and regional mechanisms, the UAE continues its journey in building an integrated society based on respecting human rights and developing legal protection mechanisms that ensure sustained progress and prosperity.
The UAE has reinforced its partnerships with various international entities and mechanisms concerned with human rights, evidenced by its membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council for three terms (2013-2015; 2016-2018; 2022-2024), in addition to its membership in the UN Security Council for the term 2022-2023.
These memberships have enhanced the UAE’s international standing and role as a key player in supporting human rights globally, providing opportunities for active participation in formulating international resolutions and multilateral initiatives. Through its membership in the UN Human Rights Council, the UAE has been able to engage in discussions on human rights challenges, proposing solutions and initiatives for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms at the international level. Meanwhile, its membership in the UN Security Council has contributed to closer cooperation with member states and to the drafting of resolutions aimed at stabilizing conflict-affected areas, thus positively impacting the protection of human rights in those regions.
The UAE has sought to join a wide range of international treaties and conventions aimed at enhancing the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms internationally. This effort aligns with the nation’s vision to build a progressive society founded on principles of justice and equality, alongside its steadfast commitment to implementing international standards
By participating actively in these conventions, the UAE has developed local laws and legislation in line with international requirements, enabling it to engage in dialogue and collaboration with relevant international bodies and organizations. This international commitment further underscores the UAE’s influential role in supporting global initiatives aimed at fostering social, political, and economic stability worldwide.
The UAE has acceded to the core international human rights conventions as follows:
| No. Convention | Date of Convention | Date of Accession | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination | 7 March 1966 | 20 June 1974 | N/A |
| Convention on the Rights of the Child | 20 November 1989 | 3 January 1997 | Articles 7, 14, 17, 21 |
| Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women | 18 December 1979 | 6 October 2004 | Articles 2(f), 9, 15(2), 16, and 29(1) of the Convention |
| Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities | 13 December 2006 | 19 March 2010 | N/A |
| Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment | 10 December 1984 | 19 July 2012 | Articles 20 and 30(1) |
| No. Protocol | Date of Protocol | Date of Accession | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography | 25 May 2000 | 2 March 2016 | Article 3(5) |
| No. Convention | Date of Accession |
|---|---|
| Convention No. 1 of 1919 on Hours of Work | 27 May 1982 |
| Convention No. 29 of 1930 on Forced Labour | 27 May 1982 |
| Convention No. 81 of 1947 on Labour Inspection | 27 May 1982 |
| Convention No. 89 of 1948 on Night Work (Women) | 27 May 1982 |
| Convention No. 100 of 1951 on Equal Remuneration | 24 February 1997 |
| Convention No. 105 of 1957 on Abolition of Forced Labour | 24 February 1997 |
| Convention No. 111 of 1958 on Discrimination in Employment and Occupation | 28 June 2001 |
| Convention No. 138 of 1973 on Minimum Age | 2 October 1998 |
| Convention No. 182 of 1999 on Worst Forms of Child Labour | 28 June 2001 |
The UAE has consistently promoted regional integration and active participation in regional conventions aimed at strengthening human rights, development, and stability in the region. It has joined several regional conventions on human rights, reflecting its steadfast commitment to developing joint cooperation mechanisms and promoting human rights.
This integrated approach helps fulfill the nation’s vision for a flourishing community grounded in justice and equality, while also enhancing the UAE’s capacity to play a leading role in supporting stability and development at the regional level.
Among these conventions are:
The UAE strives to promote comprehensive national mechanisms for the protection of human rights, having established specialized and integrated bodies that contribute to monitoring and applying protection standards at all levels. The state implements legislation and policies consistent with international standards, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability, and enabling direct avenues for citizens and residents to voice their opinions and demands. These efforts reflect the UAE’s unwavering commitment to building a society that upholds the values of justice and equality, remains aligned with global developments in human rights, and provides a legal and administrative environment supportive of dialogue and community participation in shaping a more just and stable future.
These are civil associations dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in the UAE. Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 on the regulation of public-interest associations grants the freedom to establish and form associations.
There are over 1,024 public-interest institutions and associations in the UAE, some of which focus specifically on human rights in general, while others focus on a particular human right or the rights of specific priority groups (such as persons with disabilities, women, children). Some examples include:
1. Judicial Authorities
Judicial authorities in the UAE are the cornerstone of mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights, as they uphold the rule of law and ensure justice and equality among all members of society. These authorities operate under an independent and transparent judicial system aimed at delivering justice effectively and efficiently, thereby contributing to the protection of public liberties and the fight against all forms of discrimination. The state also places significant emphasis on developing modern legislative and executive mechanisms, ensuring that everyone benefits from legal protection, particularly through the establishment of specialized courts for priority groups such as laborers and families, and through the use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence. This reflects the UAE’s commitment to international human rights principles, helping to boost public trust in judicial institutions and pave the way for social stability and sustainable development.
2. National Human Rights Institution
A national body established in 2021 as an independent institution responsible for protecting and promoting human rights in the UAE, in accordance with the Paris Principles. It enjoys financial and administrative independence in carrying out its tasks, activities, and mandates, which include the following:
For more information, please visit the website:
1. The Permanent Committee on Human Rights
This is a governmental committee established under Cabinet Resolution No. (12/11و) of 2019, serving as a pivotal national mechanism supporting the protection and promotion of human rights. It is composed of representatives from all government entities concerned with human rights, and carries out numerous functions, including:
For more information, please visit the website:
2. Specialized Human Rights Departments and Offices
Ministries, government entities, and judicial bodies have established specialized departments and offices dedicated to human rights. Their mandate includes enhancing the understanding and application of human rights, as set forth in the Constitution and laws of the state and in accordance with the international conventions the UAE has acceded to. They also receive and address complaints.
On this page, we present the national reports of the United Arab Emirates, which reflect the country’s unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and applying the highest standards of justice and equality.
Here, we share national reports related to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism that have been submitted and reviewed before the international community to assess the country’s progress in the field of human rights, as well as national reports specific to UN treaty mechanisms, which highlight the efforts being made to meet international standards. We also showcase national reports pertaining to the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee, underscoring the UAE’s dedication to continuous improvement in this critical domain.
We hope these reports will contribute to enhancing your understanding of the national legislation, policies, and practices adopted by the United Arab Emirates in the field of human rights, and that they reflect the country's transparency and commitment to protecting rights and freedoms, as well as supporting its efforts toward achieving sustainable development.
