Statement by the Union Association for Human Rights: We Commend the Ruling of the International Court of Justice and the UAE’s Commitment to International Conventions

The Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR) has closely followed the proceedings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its recent ruling in the case brought by the Sudanese Armed Forces against the United Arab Emirates, alleging violations of the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. In its decision, the Court unequivocally determined that it lacks jurisdiction to consider the merits of the case, citing both its founding statute and the absence of any alternative legal basis that would grant it such jurisdiction.

The UAHR expresses its deep appreciation for the Court’s ruling, which rejected the request for provisional measures by a majority vote of 14 to 2 and removed the case from the Court’s general list by a vote of 9 to 7.

‏In this context, the UAHR highly values the UAE’s unwavering commitment to, and compliance with, its international obligations as a signatory to human rights treaties and conventions. The UAE’s constructive engagement with international legal institutions and its adherence to the principles of justice, as well as its efforts to promote and protect human rights, are praiseworthy. This commitment was clearly reflected in the UAE’s active participation in the ICJ hearings, where it presented compelling legal arguments and evidence that reinforced the legitimacy of its position and its full commitment to the principles of international human rights and humanitarian law.

‏The UAHR also commends the UAE for its consistent and genuine efforts to support peace and security in Sudan. The UAE has continuously called for a comprehensive, immediate, and lasting ceasefire in all regions of the country, and for the establishment of a civilian government capable of achieving peace and stability in Sudan, the protection of human rights, and the sustainable development to which the Sudanese people aspire.

Furthermore, the UAHR underscores the importance of referencing the findings of the final report of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Sudan in accurately characterizing the nature of the armed conflict and identifying the parties involved. The report documented serious violations committed by all warring factions against civilians in Sudan and refuted the baseless allegations made by the Sudanese Armed Forces against the UAE.

The UAHR emphasizes the responsibility of all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international law and human rights conventions. It also commends the UAE’s principled and supportive stance toward the Sudanese people, as demonstrated by its humanitarian and diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict and achieving a comprehensive, sustainable peace. It also expresses its appreciation to the countries that have contributed to containing the armed conflict in Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need to end the war and the long-standing conflicts that have burdened the Sudanese people for decades.

The UAHR extends its sincere appreciation to the UAE’s legal defense team for its exceptional efforts in countering the case brought by Sudan before the ICJ. The team’s professionalism and its thorough presentation of evidence and legal arguments played a significant role in upholding the rule of law and justice in this case.

‏Union Association for Human Rights
‏Issued in Abu Dhabi
‏7 May 2025