About the Statement:

During the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, under agenda item 3 (general debate), Israa Al Amiri, a member of the Board of Directors of the Union Association for Human Rights and an Emirati citizen with visual impairment, delivered an oral statement emphasizing the necessity of guaranteeing the right to education for all without discrimination, with particular attention to persons with disabilities. She reviewed the pioneering efforts of the United Arab Emirates in promoting inclusive education and stressed the importance of benefiting from the UAE’s experience, which represents a global model for empowering persons with disabilities educationally through inclusive strategies and innovative international partnerships.

Content of the Statement:

• Expressed appreciation for the Council’s efforts in upholding the right to education, calling it a foundation for all other rights.
• Stressed that persons with disabilities are among the most educationally marginalized groups, urging States to:
  • Ensure equal enjoyment of the right to education.
  • Adopt inclusive policies within education systems.
  • Remove pedagogical, environmental, and digital barriers.
• Commended the UAE for:
  • A progressive national strategy for inclusive education.
  • Being among the few countries with comprehensive legislative and institutional frameworks to ensure inclusive learning.
• Welcomed UN and international cooperation with the UAE in:
  • Deploying digital schools in remote African communities.
  • Supporting inclusive education in over 17 countries.
  • Backing inclusive learning initiatives through cooperation with the Special Olympics International.

Importance of the Statement:

• Empowering the voice of people of determination in international forums: The statement represents a vivid example of integrating persons with disabilities in advocating for their own rights, enhancing the credibility of human rights discussions.
• Establishing the right to education as an enabling right: The statement demonstrated that education is the fundamental gateway to securing other rights, especially for vulnerable and marginalized groups.
• Highlighting the UAE’s leadership in inclusive education: The statement spotlighted the UAE model as an advanced international practice, based on comprehensive national strategies and effective developmental partnerships.
• Strengthening international cooperation in education: The statement called for leveraging UAE–UN initiatives, particularly regarding digital schools, which embody cross-border educational justice.