GENEVA: The Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR) emphasised the importance of the rule of law at the international level as a cornerstone for achieving justice and enhancing the protection of human rights. It highlighted the efforts of the Human Rights Council to provide protection and independence for judges and lawyers and to strengthen international justice and accountability systems.
This came in UAHR statement which was delivered by Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Kaabi, President of the UAHR, before the Human Rights Council during the twelfth meeting on the Council’s agenda as part of the interactive dialogue on the “Independence of Judges and Lawyers,” related to item three of the agenda for the 56th session held at the UN Human Rights Palais des Nations in Geneva.
In this regard, she commended the efforts made by the UAE over the past years in the WJP Rule of Law Index, which ranked it first regionally and 37th globally.
She expressed regret over the serious and ongoing international decline in the indi
cators of respect and promotion of the rule of law worldwide, which has dropped by 78% globally since 2016.
In her statement, Al Kaabi recommended ensuring that states and all parties adhere to the independence of judicial and justice systems, and prevent all forms and types of threats, intimidation, and defamation aimed at influencing decisions or interfering in the affairs of judges and lawyers.
She emphasised the importance of fully and independently supporting the work of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers and preventing all interventions that affect the work and decisions of bodies concerned with achieving justice and judiciary.
Al Kaabi expressed her deep appreciation for the efforts of the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, aimed at enhancing justice and litigation systems at the international level, and ensuring the highest levels of independence in the work of judges and lawyers in fulfilling their duties, in accordance with t
he requirements of justice and integrity and achieving the principle of fair and transparent trials.
The President of the UAHR emphasised the importance of benefiting from the UAE’s experience in protecting judges and lawyers and promoting the rule of law, which has seen continuous progress in international indicators concerned with the rule of law over the past years.
She also called on all countries to be guided by the pioneering and distinguished experience in the justice and judicial systems in the UAE.
On this occasion, Dr. Al Kaabi expressed her great appreciation for the judiciary bodies in the UAE, highly valuing their efforts that have ensured the country achieved advanced positions in achieving and respecting justice and the rule of law.
She emphasised the importance of improving partnerships with civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations. She also mentioned that the association is prepared to offer support to enhance the country’s efforts in achieving partnership and integr
ation for the success of national, regional, and international initiatives focused on enhancing the independence of judges and lawyers, as well as the rule of law. This includes establishing solid principles based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which advocates for justice, equality, and judicial independence.
Source: Emirates News Agency