About the Statement:

The Union Association for Human Rights delivered an oral statement during the 57th session of the Human Rights Council under Item 8 (General Debate on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action). The statement called for strengthening mechanisms that ensure states’ compliance with their international obligations to uphold the rule of law. It emphasized the need to align national justice systems with internationally recognized standards and commended the United Arab Emirates as a leading regional model in developing judicial institutions, promoting fair trial guarantees, and ensuring legal accountability.

Content of the Statement:

• The statement highlighted the pivotal role of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action in promoting respect for human rights and advancing relevant international standards and mechanisms related to the rule of law and judicial integrity.
• It stressed the importance of states’ adherence to international standards for fair, transparent, and independent trials, and ensuring effective legal remedies and accountability.
• The statement underscored that many justice systems worldwide still fall short of complying with international standards, undermining the protection of human rights and eroding public confidence in justice systems.
• It called for reforming national justice systems and strengthening judicial independence to guarantee equal access to justice for all without discrimination.
• The statement commended the UAE for:
  • Achieving significant progress in rule of law indicators.
  • Establishing strong national institutions and mechanisms dedicated to law enforcement and legal accountability.
  • Adopting an approach that ensures fair trials, judicial independence, and transparency in legal proceedings.

Importance of the Statement:

• Reinforcing international commitment to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action: The statement urges the implementation of the declaration as a key reference for strengthening the rule of law and global justice.
• Highlighting justice challenges in national legal systems: The statement draws attention to the failure of many countries in complying with international standards and the need for systemic judicial reform.
• Valuing positive models and positioning the UAE as a leading example: The statement stresses the importance of replicating successful experiences like the UAE’s in strengthening justice systems with transparency and professionalism.
• Building public trust in national justice systems: The statement affirms that confidence in judicial integrity is a cornerstone for achieving stability and social justice, requiring sustained international, legislative, and executive support.