Welcome Note

To fully comprehend the UAE’s human rights agenda, it is essential to understand the principles of compassion, inclusivity and drive for progress that underpinned the formation of the nation as defined by it's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,  the first president of the UAE. The UAE's founding father firmly believed that  “the real spirit behind progress is the human spirit”, which led to the beginning of a journey of unprecedented education, development and prosperity for the people of the UAE.   

The UAE’s leadership continued to uphold this belief and converged around the goals of development, prosperity and protection of human dignity as critical pillars for growth. Coupled with values of tolerance, respect for human rights, and good governance, the UAE established itself as a secure, stable and thriving nation in the region. The UAE is now home to over 200 different nationalities, all of whom contribute to making it a place of choice to live, work and invest. 

Placing the human being at the center of all strategies, development policies and initiatives has guided this young country since its formation and will continue to be the guiding principle under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Today human rights in the UAE are guaranteed through equal rights before the law on-discrimination and respect for the other remain at the centre of UAE society where the individual is cared for and basic needs are met.  The UAE's Constitution defines a set of social and economic rights that constitute the basis of a coherent and evolving welfare system.In the UAE, education and housing are constitutional rights; health coverage is provided for all; and a social welfare system supports the most vulnerable citizens and residents.  Legislation protects against discrimination and guarantees the right to life, security, freedom of belief and religious practice.  The constitution pays special attention to the rights of children, women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (people of determination) and other vulnerable groups.

About The Permanent Committee for Human Rights

The Permanent Committee for Human Rights (PCHR)  (formerly named as the National Committee for Human Rights) was established by a decision issued by the Council of Ministers in October 2019 with the membership of a number of ministries and institutions in the country to promote and protect human rights in the UAE.

The PCHR acts as the national liaison and coordination mechanism between the relevant stakeholders in the UAE regarding human rights matters and serves as the national mechanism for reporting and follow up on the UAE's human rights agenda.

GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

Gender equality and women’s empowerment are deeply rooted in Emirati culture and society. Long before the seven emirates united to form the UAE, women held fundamental positions in public life, and have always been significant contributors in social and economic spheres. .

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS IN THE UAE

Caring for, nurturing and empowering children is one of the oldest and strongest values of Emirati society.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The UAE government coined the term ‘People of Determination’ in 2017, in line with the launch of the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination. The decision to refer to people with disabilities in this way redefined their capabilities by removing negative connotations. People of Determination are considered equals, and any form of discrimination against them is prohibited.

RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS

Partnerships have been a key driver of the UAE’s development since its foundation. The country considers elevating the rights and privileges of all employees to the highest international standards to be a national priority

SENIOR CITIZENS

The attention and appreciation that the elderly enjoy in the UAE today is a result of the vision of the country’s founding father

YOUTH RIGHTS

Through 50 years of crafting integrated policies, initiatives, and programmes focused on empowering youth in the UAE -test1

LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM

The constitutional structure of the UAE ensures a balanced and legitimate exercise of the State’s powers and includes dedicated institutions for the promotion of human rights protection in the country.

TOLERANCE

Tolerance is an established value within Emirati society and its leadership, who regard harmony, respect and acceptance of the other as essential pillars of the community. These values stem from the teachings of Islam, as well as deep-rooted Arab customs and traditions.

News and Opinions

07 February 2024

Statement by H. E. Afra Al Saabri on the occasion of The International Day of Human Fraternity

24 January 2024

Statement by Her Excellency Sheikha Khulood Al Qassimi, Assistant Undersecretary of Inspection Sector at the Ministry of Education

18 January 2024

Permanent Committee for Human Rights hosts discussion with African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

16 December 2023

Permanent Committee for Human Rights holds event highlighting links between climate change and gender-based violence at COP 28

27 November 2023

The Permanent Committee for Human Rights explores strengthening cooperation with the National Human Rights Committee in the Kingdom of Bahrain

20 November 2023

H.E. Rym Al Falasy, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood Pens a Letter to Children on the Occasion of World Children’s Day

16 November 2023

The Permanent Committee for Human Rights Releases a Statement on the Occasion of International Day for Tolerance with a Quote from the Minister of Tolerance

04 October 2023

Human Rights Council adopts UAE's report for the fourth session of Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights

11 September 2023

The Permanent Committee For Human Rights holds 16th meeting

Welcome to

The Permanent Committee
For Human Rights

Welcome Note