About the Statement:

During the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, and under Item 3: General Debate, Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi delivered an oral statement focusing on the promotion of the right to a fair trial and the rule of law as fundamental pillars of the human rights framework. The statement commended the Council’s efforts in supporting these principles and highlighted the UAE’s commitment to ensuring justice and protecting defendants’ rights by aligning its judicial system with international standards. It also referenced the humanitarian decision by the UAE President to pardon a number of Bangladeshi nationals and its prompt execution.

Content of the Statement:

• The statement praised the efforts of the Council and the High Commissioner in promoting an independent and fair judiciary and reaffirmed the importance of transparent and impartial trials as a core human right.
• It called on states to:
  • Fulfill their international obligations regarding fair trials.
  • Ensure legal and procedural safeguards for defendants.
  • Protect judicial independence from interference or distortion.
• It commended the UAE’s judicial approach, noting that the country:
  • Provides fair and transparent trials.
  • Enables civil society to monitor court proceedings.
  • Upholds the right to legal defense and its guarantees.
  • Rejects any attempts to undermine or question the judiciary’s independence.
• The statement also welcomed the pardon issued by the UAE President for a group of Bangladeshi convicts and emphasized the swift implementation of the decision by the Federal Public Prosecutor, ensuring the lifting of penalties and their dignified repatriation.

Importance of the Statement:

• Reinforcing fair trial culture as a cornerstone of human rights: The statement underscored that justice and due process are the foundation for the protection of all other rights and the core of the international human rights system.
• Highlighting the UAE’s rule of law experience: It showcased the UAE’s ongoing commitment to international standards in its judicial system, promoting justice and non-discrimination, thereby enhancing its regional and global human rights standing.
• Emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of law enforcement: The statement reflected how the UAE balances strict legal enforcement with compassion and clemency in humanitarian cases, presenting an ethical dimension to its justice system.
• A clear call to uphold judicial independence: The statement sent an important message rejecting any interference in or undermining of judicial authority—a fundamental safeguard for legal institutions worldwide.