The delegation from the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) has departed for Geneva to participate as "observers" in the annual meeting of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) from May 6 to 8, led by His Excellency Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the NHRI.

This annual meeting gathers representatives from national human rights institutions and relevant organizations worldwide, aiming to exchange expertise and develop effective strategies to enhance human rights standards through regional network meetings and the General Assembly. This year's meeting features a "Business and Human Rights Conference: The Role and Experiences of NHRIs."

The NHRI's participation reflects its commitment to supporting fundamental human rights, ensuring equality and justice without discrimination, in alignment with global human rights goals. In this context, His Excellency Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the NHRI, emphasized the significance of these meetings, stating, "It is an opportunity to enhance international cooperation and draw upon best practices from various international rights institutions, utilizing this leading international gathering to expand collaboration and exchange experiences in all matters related to supporting human rights."

Notably, the NHRI is participating for the second consecutive time in this annual meeting, demonstrating its commitment to the Paris Principles and its concerted efforts to enhance its role as a key player in the international human rights field. This renewed participation enables the institution to build a robust network of relationships with similar institutions and enhance its role in the human rights field, contributing to an improved response to human rights challenges and benefiting from global resources and expertise.

The institution's participation also aims to enhance the close partnership and constructive cooperation with the Secretariat of the GANHRI. This was exemplified in the annual seminar held concurrently with COP28 in December 2023, titled "Climate Change and Human Rights: The Role of National Human Rights Institutions,” organized by the GANHRI and supported by the European Union and the United Nations Environment Programme, as well as the NHRI. Additionally, the visit by the GANHRI delegation to the NHRI, led by Ms. Katharina Rose, Representative of the GANHRI Head Office in Geneva, along with several representatives from national human rights institutions from different countries, reflects the effective partnership between the NHRI and the GANHRI.

It is also worth mentioning that the The National Human Rights Institution was established in 2021 as per the Federal Law No. (12) as an independent institution and enjoys financial and administrative independence and aims to protect and promote human rights in the United Arab Emirates by taking into account the UAE Constitution, mandates, and other relevant international treaties. The institution works in compliance with the Paris Principles as it sets the basis for regulating the work of national human rights institutions approved by the United Nations.

The participating delegation included members from the Board of Trustees and the General Secretariat of the NHRI, including H.E. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Deputy Chairperson Board of Trustees , H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Mansoori, Head of the Promotion of Human Rights Culture Committee, 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. Dr. Zayed Al Shamsi, Head of the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee, H.E. Fatma Al Bedwawi, Head of the Complaints, Monitoring and Field Visits Committee Board Member, H.E. Dr. Saeed Al Ghfeli, the Secretary-General of the NHRI, Dr. Ismail Al Balushi, Director of Support Services Administration, Ms. Fajr Al Haidan, Head of the Executive Affairs Section at the Chairperson Office, Mr. Abdulaziz Al Obathani, Head of International and Regional Organizations, and Ms. Fatima Rashid Al Hosani, Head of International Relations and Communications.