Geneva - The National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) participated as an "Observer" in the Annual Meeting of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) held in the Swiss capital, Geneva, from March 14th to 16th, 2023. This is the first time the institution has participated in this global event, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the “Paris Principles” which frame and guide the work of national human rights institutions, and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

NHRI's participation comes as an "observer" in the meetings held by the “Asia Pacific Forum” on Tuesday, March 14th. As an independent institution concerned with improving and developing practical measures in order to achieve the highest standards of response to international priorities and obligations in the field of human rights and public freedoms through promoting the human rights and humanitarian approach, basic rights and freedoms, respect for the rule of law, guaranteeing justice, and equality and non-discrimination between all.

In his remarks at the meeting of the "Asia Pacific Forum" H.E. Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of NHRI, stressed the importance of participating in these meetings, and that the institution is looking forward to cooperating and exchanging expertise in human rights best practices with other national human rights institutions, as these meetings offer an important opportunity to enhance human rights cooperation at the level of national human rights institutions.

The participating delegation was headed by H.E. Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of NHRI, and included H.E. Fatima Al Kaabi, Deputy Chairperson, H.E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Head of the Civil and Political Rights Committee; H.E. Ameirah Al Seraidi, Head of the Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights Committee; H.E. Maryam Al Ahmadi, Head of the International Relations and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee; H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Mansoori, Head of the Promotion of Human Rights Culture Committee; H.E. Dr. Zayed Al Shamsi Head of the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee; in addition to H.E. Dr. Saeed Al Ghfeli, the Secretary-General of the NHRI, and Fajr Al Haidan, Head of the Executive Affairs Section at the Chairperson Office.