The UAE delegation participating in the 74th session of the Committee Against Torture (CAT) held in Geneva, from 12-29 July 2022, has concluded a review of the country’s efforts in this regard.
The UN Committee Against Torture systematically reviews the periodic reports of States parties in order to ensure and promote full compliance with the Convention.
His Excellency Judge Abdul Rahman Murad Al Balushi, Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Justice, addressed in the UAE’s statement to the Committee the contents of the first report on the efforts made by the UAE, in light of its ratification of the Convention in 2012, and the developments that occurred after the submission of the report in 2018 at the legislative level in light of the relevant national laws issued recently.
These included laws on protection from domestic violence and the protection of witnesses, in addition to the introduction of important amendments to penal code , the code of criminal procedure and labor law.
At the institutional level, the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Paris Principles was a milestone in the development of national human rights mechanisms.
His Excellency touched on the UAE efforts within the framework of litigation and law enforcement procedures, and issues related to penal institutions, extradition of criminals, combating human trafficking, employment, health and international cooperation, which come within the scope of the agreement.
Following the national statement, a fruitful discussion took place between the Committee and the UAE delegation on the implementation of the Convention. The Committee commended the UAE’s achievements in implementing its commitments under the Convention against Torture, especially with regard to strengthening and developing national legislation and establishing the National Human Rights Institution.
In this regard, His Excellency Al Balushi indicated that the discussion and dialogue session with members of the Committee against Torture provided an opportunity for the UAE, as a party to the Convention, to review the efforts it has made in implementing the Convention at the national level. It was also an opportunity to benefit from the experience of the members of the Committee regarding the implementation of the agreement.
His Excellency affirmed the UAE’s keenness to enhance its cooperation with United Nations bodies, mechanisms and committees concerned with human rights in a way that contributes to the promotion and protection of human rights, stressing the UAE’s commitment to continue its efforts towards building on its achievements in this field.
The UAE delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Ministry of Health and Community Protection, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, Public Prosecutions, and the Permanent Mission of the UAE in Geneva.
The Committee against Torture was established under Article 17 of the Convention. The Committee comprises ten high-level experts and is responsible for reviewing periodic reports submitted by Member States on a regular basis every four years.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation