About the Statement:

Dr. Fatima Al-Kaabi delivered an oral statement during the general debate under Item 9 at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council. The statement highlighted the importance of reinforcing international efforts to eliminate racial discrimination, praised the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and emphasized the need to reform discriminatory institutional policies and practices. It also shed light on the UAE’s experience in promoting equality and tolerance, including the President’s general amnesty decision as a measure that fosters justice and coexistence.

Content of the Statement:

• The statement reaffirmed the importance of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as a leading international tool in combating racial discrimination, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights for all individuals without discrimination.
• It referred to the 2021 report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which stressed the persistence of systemic racism, the need for comprehensive institutional reforms, and the significance of the “Transformative Change for Racial Justice” plan based on Human Rights Council Resolution 1/43.
• The statement highlighted the UAE’s experience as a model in promoting tolerance and cultural diversity, hosting more than 200 nationalities in an environment of justice and equality without discrimination.
• It also noted the UAE President’s decision to grant a general amnesty to all convicted individuals of Bangladeshi nationality, as a humanitarian measure reflecting values of tolerance, justice, and the rule of law.

Importance of the statement:

• Reaffirming Durban commitments as a global reference: The statement reiterates the importance of the Durban Declaration as a comprehensive UN framework to combat racial discrimination and urges states to implement its outcomes.
• Promoting institutional justice: By underscoring recommendations from the 2021 OHCHR report, the statement stresses the need for structural changes in institutions and public policies that perpetuate discrimination.
• Showcasing the UAE as a leading example: The statement presents the UAE’s approach to ensuring justice and equality as a model for other nations to emulate, particularly in promoting societal tolerance and humanitarian amnesty.
• Supporting international accountability and racial justice: The statement contributes to mobilizing global support for racial justice and accountability initiatives, especially given the continued existence of systemic discrimination worldwide.