Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, President of the Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR), delivered an official statement before the UN Human Rights Council during its 55th session, under Agenda Item 3 on promoting the enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In her statement, Dr. Al Kaabi shed light on the growing challenges that hinder the effective enjoyment of rights and freedoms. She stressed that these challenges, despite international legislative and institutional development, continue to deepen civilian suffering and fuel gross violations.

She praised the speech delivered by both the United Nations Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the opening of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, which underlined the significance of the upcoming Summit of the Future, set to take place at the end of 2024. Dr. Al Kaabi emphasized the summit as a strategic opportunity to strengthen the effectiveness of international human rights mechanisms.

The statement called for:

• Prioritizing climate justice and digital justice in the deliberations of the Summit of the Future.
• Emphasizing the interconnectedness of human rights and the environment, given the direct impact of environmental and climate crises on civilians’ lives and their fundamental rights.
• Building on the outcomes of COP28, hosted by the UAE, as a foundation for strengthening global environmental rights.

Importance of the Statement:

• Advancing the future dimension of human rights: The statement stressed the need to develop international human rights protections in response to emerging challenges, especially environmental and digital ones.
• Highlighting the role of UAE civil society internationally: The statement reaffirmed the commitment of national organizations, such as the UAHR, to actively contribute to developing global human rights discourse.
• Supporting the outcomes of global climate action: The statement stressed the importance of aligning climate efforts with human rights, while recognizing the UAE’s pioneering position in this regard.
• Presenting strategic recommendations to the United Nations: The statement called for leveraging the Summit of the Future as a tool for reform and institutional development within the UN human rights system.