About the Statement:

The Union Association for Human Rights delivered an oral statement before the Human Rights Council during its 58th session under Item 9, which focuses on promoting and protecting all human rights, including economic, social, and cultural rights. The statement emphasized the need to provide legal protection and justice for workers’ rights worldwide, particularly for the most vulnerable professional categories, while showcasing the UAE’s experience as a leading model in respecting workers’ rights and fostering a decent work environment.

Content of the Statement:

• Warning against global violations: The statement expressed deep concern over the inhumane working conditions faced by millions of workers, especially domestic workers and delivery service employees, who are often deprived of adequate legal protection and subjected to systemic discrimination and exclusion.
• Calling for UN action: The statement urged the Human Rights Council to prioritize workers’ rights, especially those of vulnerable groups, and to work on:
  • Ensuring comprehensive legal and legislative protection.
  • Guaranteeing equality of treatment for all workers.
  • Providing fair, safe, and decent working conditions.
• Commending the UAE’s experience: The statement highlighted the significant progress the UAE has made in protecting workers’ rights through:
  • Issuing Federal Law No. (33) of 2021 regulating labor relations, which prohibits forced or degrading labor and bans all forms of discrimination.
  • Implementing the Wage Protection System to safeguard workers’ social and economic rights.
  • Leading several international indicators related to labor rights and workplace standards.

Importance of the Statement:

• Drawing international attention to marginalized labor groups: The statement helped spotlight the global gap in protecting workers in low-skilled jobs or from poorer countries, calling for more inclusive human rights policies.
• Strengthening justice in labor relations: The statement emphasized the concept of “decent work” as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for achieving social justice and economic balance in any society.
• Promoting the UAE as a legislative model: The statement presented the UAE’s labor laws as a regional and international benchmark for a work environment rooted in fairness, transparency, and mutual respect.
• Advocating for a global labor protection system: The statement stressed that workers’ rights must remain a top priority for the international community, free from economic or discriminatory considerations, and recognized as equal and universal.