Dr. Fatima Al-Kaabi, President of the Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR), delivered an oral statement during the 55th session of the Human Rights Council under Agenda Item 9, which focuses on combating racial discrimination and promoting equality. The statement highlighted the importance of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action two decades after its adoption, emphasizing the need to strengthen international practices in combating racism. It also praised the role of the UAE, particularly the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in consolidating the principles of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity.

Content of the Statement:

The statement opened by underscoring the symbolic significance of the 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as a timely opportunity to evaluate the progress made in eliminating racism, discrimination, and xenophobia. It emphasized that discrimination in all its forms – whether expressed through behavior, legislation, or rhetoric – remains a serious threat to the principles of coexistence and mutual respect.

The statement commended:

• The leadership of the UAE in this field.
• The initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, which was adopted by the United Nations to establish an International Day of Human Fraternity.
• Consolidating the UAE’s position as a global hub for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The statement called on the international community to:

• Strengthening joint efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
• Drawing inspiration from the UAE’s globally leading model, where the country hosts more than 200 nationalities who enjoy justice and equal rights and opportunities, in an institutional and legislative environment that ensures non-discrimination and promotes the values of peace and coexistence.

Importance of the Statement:

• Linking global human rights progress to a pivotal international occasion (Durban): The statement offered a rigorous assessment of the effectiveness of international commitments to eliminate discrimination, twenty years after the Durban Declaration.
• Highlighting impactful national initiatives: The statement underlined the UAE’s leadership in building a global model of tolerance and showed how its national vision has translated into internationally endorsed initiatives that promote equality and coexistence.
• Issuing a practical call to countries: The statement moved beyond traditional rhetorical frameworks and called for drawing inspiration from successful experiences as a source of legislation and policies, most notably the UAE experience.
• Emphasizing the centrality of human fraternity: The statement reaffirmed that combating racial discrimination is inseparable from adopting a comprehensive human narrative that respects diversity and is based on the principles of fraternity and mutual understanding.