- 18July
National Human Rights Institution participates as observer at session of UN Committee against Torture
GENEVA, 18th July, 2022 (WAM) -- A delegation from the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) attended the session of the UN Committee against Torture held at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, from 12th to 15th July, to discuss the UAE report.
The delegation, headed by Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the NHRI, participated as an observer in the meetings of the UN anti-torture body concerned with discussing the UAE's national report on the implementation of its obligations related to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and strengthening its relevant obligations in light of the state joining it in 2012.
The delegation comprised Fatima Al Kaabi, Deputy Chairperson of NHRI; Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chairperson of the Civil and Political Rights Committee; Maryam Al Ahmadi, Chairperson of the International Relations and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee and Dr. Saeed Al Ghfeli, NHRI Secretary-General.
Maqsoud Kruse confirmed that the NHRI participated in the meetings in an observer capacity, as it is an independent entity concerned with monitoring the improvement and development of practical steps taken to achieve the highest standards in response to international priorities and obligations in the field of human rights and freedoms, and in a manner that helps promote fundamental rights and freedoms, respect the rule of law, and ensure justice, equality, and non-discrimination among all.
He explained that the meetings, which included an official delegation from the UAE, and members of the committee concerned with discussing the country's national report on the implementation of the Convention against Torture, where it reviewed relevant national efforts and exchanged best practices related to the implementation of the anti-torture Convention, identifying the efforts and initiatives of the state in this regard, and enhancing capacities by increasing awareness and knowledge of the normative framework of the International Convention against Torture.
Kruse added the meetings also touched on the scope of legal and judicial procedures that make international standards an integral component of the national anti-torture strategies.
He pointed out that the fulfillment by the National Human Rights Institution of its international obligations in the field of human rights reflects its keenness to promote its cooperation with the United Nations bodies, mechanisms, and committees concerned with human rights and the provision of the necessary support to them to perform their tasks and activities, and confirms its commitment to continuing to serve as a model for change and leadership in the region and as an active member of the international community that works to advance human rights standards and their promotion and alignment with international standards.
The Committee against Torture monitors States parties’ adherence to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which to date has 173 State parties. The Committee is made up of 10 members who are independent human rights experts drawn from around the world, who serve in their personal capacity and not as representatives of States parties. The Committee’s concluding observations are an independent assessment of States’ compliance with their human rights obligations under the treaty.
Kruse clarified that the NHRI will seek, within the framework of its concern for human rights, to study the final document that will be issued by the UN anti-torture committee at the end of its review of the state's national report, and its observations and recommendations related to improving the state's commitment to the Convention against Torture, in a manner that contributes to the follow-up of the full implementation of all provisions of the Convention.