.The National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) celebrates the first anniversary since its establishment. A year ago, on December 19, 2021, the late H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, issued decision No. (21) of 2021 regarding the formation of the Board of Trustees of the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). Also, H.H. the late President of the UAE issued decision No. (22) of 2021 regarding the representation of government entities in the meetings of the Board of Trustees of the NHRI, and decision No. (24) of 2021 regarding the appointment of the Secretary-General of the NHRI.

These significant decisions formed the first foundational blocks and sparked the beginning of a diligent collective effort towards building a dedicated institutional and organisational framework for the first national human rights institution that operates in accordance with the Paris Principles, marking a historic milestone in the UAE’s national human rights journey under Federal Law No. (12) of 2021.

Since its formation, the NHRI has consistently worked on strengthening its "Institutional Path" by transitioning from the "Establishment" phase, as reflected in the "Hundred Days" plan for foundational and organisational activities, to the "Operation" phase, as reflected in the human rights action strategy, particularly regarding the role of the six permanent committees in developing "Human Rights Strategies" and the General Secretariat in formulating "Implementation Plans" for these strategies.

Since then, the Board of Trustees held six meetings during the establishment year. Two of those meetings witnessed the participation of representatives from government entities, as the success of the national human rights journey cannot be achieved without effective partnership and constructive cooperation between the National Human Rights Institution and its strategic partners from government entities. Additionally, the NHRI extended the bridges of partnership and cooperation with non-profit associations and institutions.

The meetings of the Board of Trustees and the six permanent committees, since their formation, have addressed several concepts, proposals, visions, and practices regarding the responsible institutional work approach in an accountable and dedicated manner.

2022 witnessed significant organisational and structural achievements, including the election of the Deputy Chairperson, the selection of the heads of the six permanent committees, the adoption of the institution's vision, mission, and values, the establishment of the organisational structure, administrative, financial, and procurement regulations. It also included the launch of the NHRI’s visual institutional identity, social media platforms and the official website, as well as equipping the main headquarters with all its facilities.

Several discussions and coordination efforts were carried out to explore avenues of cooperation at the national level, including the NHRI's participation as an "Observer" in the preparatory process for the fourth national report for the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights conducted by the National Human Rights Committee, and receiving the UAE Gender Balance Council to enhance cooperation in the field of human rights, particularly women's rights.

Furthermore, the discussions also explored the possibilities of cooperation with the United Arab Emirates University in the areas of scientific research, curriculum development, and student empowerment in the field of human rights.

The NHRI conducted several visits, meetings, and received various delegations, including foreign ambassadors, members of Arab, British, and European parliaments, as well as representatives of international organisations, most notably the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, where the "First Organisational Retreat" was organised to identify the important international best practices as part of ongoing efforts to enhance human rights mechanisms in line with the highest international standards.

The NHRI actively participated in numerous events, seminars, and conferences, inside and outside the UAE, including participating as an “Observer” in the reviewing session of the fourth national periodic report on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW), the review sessions of the first report on combating torture in Geneva, attending the Arab Regional High-level Conference on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights organised by the Arab League in Cairo, and participating in the 19th regular session of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Jeddah.

On this occasion, H.E. Maqsoud Kruse, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Human Rights Institution, said, "A year has passed, and we welcome a new year full of remarkable human rights contributions and ambitious institutional accomplishments.” H.E. emphasised that “2023 will be the year for activating all plans, programmes, initiatives, and projects, in line with the strategic vision of the Board of Trustees and the main directions of the "Six Permanent Committees."

The seamless integration of the strategic efforts by the Board of Trustees and its committees and the executive level represented by the General Secretariat and its teams is the “essential equation” and “institutional approach” to ensure the success of the National Human Rights Institution in achieving the objectives of the "Human Rights Action Strategy" and managing all “human rights dossiers” effectively. This continues the promising journey of enhancing and protecting human rights in the UAE, for all the citizens, residents, and visitors.

H.E. Fatima Al Kaabi, Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Human Rights Institution, commented that "We draw great determination from this anniversary to achieve tangible progress in enhancing and protecting human rights by following the best human rights practices."

H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Mansoori, Head of the Promotion of Human Rights Culture Committee - Board Member, emphasised that "In 2023, we will work on further enhancing the concept of human rights in the society and raising the level of human rights awareness after a year of establishment."

H.E. Dr. Zayed Al Shamsi Head of the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee - Board Member, said "We are fully aware of the weight of the responsibility entrusted to us in this mandate, and we aim to make a significant difference in the development of human rights legislation."

Furthermore, H.E. Fatma Al Bedwawi, Head of the Complaints, Monitoring and Field Visits Committee - Board Member, expressed "We bear a great responsibility that is reflected in protecting human rights and preserving human dignity, and we deal with full transparency, as credibility is the foundation of our approach."

H.E. Maryam Al Ahmadi, Head of the International Relations and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee - Board Member, said, "We have gained major experiences by building bridges with international organisations concerned with human rights, and we aim to harness these experiences for the benefit of human rights issues."

H.E. Ameirah Al Seraidi, Head of the Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights Committee - Board Member, said "We are proud of what has been achieved during the first year of establishment, and we have a lot of work ahead of us."

H.E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Head of the Civil and Political Rights Committee - Board Member, emphasised that "raising people’s awareness about civil rights has become a necessity, and we will work to achieve the desired goals."

On this occasion, H.E. Klaithem Al Matrooshi, Board Member, emphasised that "one year since the establishment of the NHRI gives us the motivation to give more in the service of humanity and the protection of its rights." H.E. Noor Al Suwaidi, Board Member, expressed "In 2023, we look forward to enhancing the outcomes of the establishment year and benefiting from the gained expertise." H.E. Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Noman, Board Member, said, "The human rights journey in the UAE continues, and the National Human Rights Institution has taken its first steps towards achieving leadership in human rights." H.E. Shahreyar Nawabi, Board Member, said, "We will continue our dedication and hard work to establish the human rights foundations that keep pace with the present and anticipate the future."

On his part, H.E. Dr. Saeed Al Ghfeli, Secretary-General of the NHRI, emphasised that "What the NHRI achieved at the foundational and organisational levels over the past year is a significant milestone institutionally."