Geneva: The Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR) concluded its participation in the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, in cooperation with organisations holding consultative status with the United Nations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the association presented eight written statements and nine oral statements addressing human rights issues with regional and international dimensions. The association's contributions focused on several key files within the Council's agenda, notably condemning the Iranian armed attacks against the UAE. These attacks were considered a clear violation of the UN Charter, resulting in the loss of civilian lives of multiple nationalities and prompting calls for international accountability.
The association demanded the suspension of Iran's membership in the Human Rights Council based on the findings of a fact-finding mission, which confirmed a pattern of institutional and systematic violations, including targeting the UAE. It also warned against the danger posed by inciting and misleading media narratives aimed at the UAE, calling for the development of UN-level accountability standards.
The UAHR emphasised respect for state sovereignty and rejected the use of human rights as a tool for political interference, highlighting systematic digital disinformation campaigns targeting the UAE. It advocated for the development of a binding international framework for digital rights, including support for a unified Arab declaration and progression toward an international convention to protect rights in the digital space.
The association highlighted the misuse of human rights discourse in the digital space and the targeting of human rights defenders through systematic targeting patterns. During its participation, it showcased the UAE's experiences as practical models in advancing human rights, including presenting the UAE as a leading destination for the workforce with a supportive working environment and showcasing its role in enhancing digital child protection through Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2025.
Additionally, the UAE was presented as an advanced model linking the fight against financial crimes with human rights protection through an integrated legislative and institutional framework. The association also reinforced the UAE's position as a global model in climate action and sustainable development, through hosting COP28 and other initiatives.
The UAHR highlighted the UAE's integrated approach to strengthening economic resilience within a human rights framework by developing labour legislation, social protection systems, and enhancing labour market governance. At the conclusion of its participation, the association affirmed that these contributions reflect an approach aimed at strengthening the credibility of the international human rights system, linking human rights to security, stability, and sustainable development, and stressing the importance of joint international action to address emerging challenges.