Towards a Strong UAE National Human Rights Institution: Complying with the Paris Principles and Beyond

Authors

  • Tenia Kyriazi
  • Daphne Demetriou
  • Aryaan Asad Lalani
  • Aaya Osman

Keywords:

National Human Rights Institutions, Paris Principles, human rights, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) play an instrumental role in supporting States to fulfil their human rights obligations, by monitoring and reporting on human rights issues, advising the governments on policies and laws, and advocating for reforms that aim to enhance the protection of human rights for all. The Paris Principles, adopted in 1993, have set out universal minimum standards for the establishment and operation of NHRIs and provide guidance to States with regards to their NHRIs’ structure, membership, operation and mandate. The Principles stipulate a broad and effective mandate, independence and pluralism as fundamental principles for credible, independent and effective NHRIs. With the establishment of its National Human Rights Institution in December 2021, the Government of the UAE sends a clear message of strong commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and engaging meaningfully with international human rights mechanisms and relevant universal standards. In this context, this essay explores the application of the Paris Principles to the UAE NHRI, considering lessons learned from the region and relevant recommendations of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and its accreditation body, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA). It critically evaluates the UAE NHRI establishment, making a number of recommendations in relation to its mandate and operation and proposes important agenda items that can inform its action plan.

Author Biographies

Tenia Kyriazi

PhD, Ethnikon kai Kapodistriakon Panepistimion Athinon, Greece; LLM, University of Kent, UK; LLB, Ethnikon kai Kapodistriakon Panepistimion Athinon, Greece. Dr. Kyriazi is currently Deputy Director of Academic Operations and Head of Law and Politics, Middlesex University Dubai, UAE.

Daphne Demetriou

PhD, Middlesex University London, UK; LLM, University College London, UK; LLB, University of Kent, UK. Dr. Demetriou is currently Senior Lecturer and Campus Programme Coordinator – Postgraduate Law and Politics, Middlesex University Dubai, UAE.

Aryaan Asad Lalani

Middlesex University Dubai

Aaya Osman

Middlesex University Dubai

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Published

2022-12-12

How to Cite

Kyriazi, T., Demetriou, D., Lalani, A. A., & Osman, A. (2022). Towards a Strong UAE National Human Rights Institution: Complying with the Paris Principles and Beyond. Journal of Law in the Middle East , (2), 19. Retrieved from https://journal.lexismiddleeast.info/index.php/jlme/article/view/2245