About the Statement

A written statement was issued by the Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR), in cooperation with a consultative organization, under document number A/HRC/56/NGO/188. The statement, submitted to the Human Rights Council at its 56th session (June–July 2024), commends the efforts of the United Arab Emirates in combating discrimination, racism, extremism, and hate speech. It positions the UAE’s national model as a best practice to be globally emulated in support of the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Statement Content

• The statement commends the efforts of the United Nations and the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism in combating all forms of discrimination.
• It notes the increasing global challenges despite nearly 60 years since the adoption of the 1965 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
• It expresses concern over the persistence of racist policies and practices that continue to exacerbate civilian suffering, particularly in developing countries.

Call for Enhanced International Cooperation:

• The development of clear agendas for upcoming summits aimed at eradicating all contemporary forms of racism.
• Strengthening international cooperation to confront racist practices endorsed by certain governments.
• Supporting successful national initiatives and promoting best practices.

Highlighting the Model of the United Arab Emirates:

• Early accession to the international convention in 1974, demonstrating a longstanding national commitment to eradicating all forms of racial discrimination.
• Federal Law No. 34 of 2023:
• Criminalizes discrimination based on religion, race, gender, color, or ethnic origin.
• Criminalizes incitement to hatred, religious contempt, and the stirring of sectarian strife.
• Penalizes any behavior that promotes sedition, extremism, or racism.
• Promotion of coexistence and cultural diversity, with over 200 nationalities living in the UAE and enjoying full civil, social, and economic rights.
• Major institutional initiatives, including:
• The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence to promote dialogue and acceptance.
• The National Tolerance Program (2016) to combat hate and racism.
• The International Institute for Tolerance (2017) to share expertise and develop initiatives.
• The Document on Human Fraternity (2019).
• The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.
• The International Day of Human Fraternity (February 4), adopted by the United Nations following a UAE initiative.

Key Recommendations

• Calling on the Human Rights Council to monitor and disseminate best practices in combating racism, such as the UAE model.
• Supporting collaboration with UN bodies and mechanisms dedicated to eliminating all forms of discrimination and hatred.
• Promoting respect for shared human values and confronting policies that foster racism and division.

Significance of the Statement

• The statement positions the UAE model as one of the world’s leading practices in addressing racism, extremism, and hate speech.
• It reinforces the link between the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the practical measures taken by states to combat racism.
• It frames the UAE’s approach as a global soft power promoting tolerance, diversity, and global peace.