National Human Rights Authority established in UAE

Our Correspondent

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the formation of the National Human Rights Authority at a cabinet meeting in Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Watan. The authority aims to establish the country’s status in persevering human rights on regional and global spheres.

The UAE seeks to develop networks with individuals and institutions around the world to empower vulnerable segments of the society. Sheikh Mohammed said NHRA will safeguard the rights of women, children, labourers, the elderly, people of determination and other vulnerable people.

The authority will follow the Paris Principles for the National Human Rights Institutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. It have financial and administrative independence to carry out its tasks.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

The cabinet adopted resolutions to restructure the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Council and establish the National Entrepreneurship Council, to be headed by the Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs. The new decisions aim to boost the country’s economic activity and provide an environment that drives innovation and stimulates the growth of start-ups.

Sheikh Mohammed Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “2020 has taught us that our country is full of opportunities and that our youth deserve the best. We started growing their opportunities in domestic tourism, and we will take these efforts to the rest of the sectors.”

The Cabinet also approved the restructuring of the Emirates Competitiveness Council to undertake the tasks of reviewing and proposing policies, strategies and legislations related to the country’s competitive fields, in collaboration with government entities.

Sheikh Mohammed said it was meant “to begin the New Year with a new vision and plan to boost the UAE’s competitiveness. 2021 will be the year of recovery and our government will accelerate the process to no limits.”

The Cabinet approved the issuance of the Executive Regulations of the Federal Law on Antiquities to protect antiquities in times of crises and disasters, and identify archaeological sites. The move aims to regulate trading of antiquities and oversee the commitment of city planning departments and municipalities in preserving archaeological sites when designing, planning and implementing projects. Training of national cadres in excavations and archaeology by the entities concerned will be monitored by the council.

The Cabinet also adopted the formation of the Executive Office of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism that aims to follow the country’s performance in line with international requirements in this sector.

The UAE also renewed its commitment to combating climate change through approving contributions in line with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.