CIHRS Oral Intervention before HRC 10th Session About the UPR of the United Arab Emirates

In United Nations Human Rights Council by


Human Rights Council- 10th Session
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS)
Oral Intervention
Item 6- UPR UAE
19 March, 2009
Delivered by Mr. Ziad ABDEL TAWAB

Thank you Mr. President
The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies commends United Arab Emirates for its cooperation with the UPR process and the pledges it has made as are contained in paragraphs 91 of Document A/HRC/10/75.
CIHRS endorses the pledges made by the Emirates to reform the 1980 law on publications and all other related laws in the country.  In this respect CIHRS calls on the Emirates to lift the governmental control over press freedoms and to limit legal restrictions on the right to freedom of expression including the right to political dissent and the right to receive information as guaranteed in all internationally recognized human rights instruments.

In this regard CIHRS invites the United Arab Emirates to show a genuine political will to adhere to these principles by ratifying in a timely manner the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention against Torture.

CIHRS calls on the Emirates to ensure the enjoyment of their citizens of all political and civil rights and to guarantee their active participation in the public affairs of the country without fear of repercussions.

In reference to Article 53 of the report the Emirates has the obligation to adopt all necessary measures that ensure the creation of independent trade unions and political parties. Furthermore Restrictions on the establishment and the work of all associations including human rights NGOs should be lifted. The rights of internet bloggers, journalists and human rights defenders to express freely their views on public affairs should be ensured at all times by the state.

In relation to Articles 57 and 71 of the report, CIHRS is concerned with the current situation of discrimination against women in Emirates with regard to equality, particularly the right of a child to a nationality without discrimination on the basis of the parent’s sex. In this regard CIHRS invites the Emirates to follow the example of other Muslim Arab states that have amended their laws to adapt to this important international legal standard

Finally, CIHRS notes that the Emirates did not provide a response to all recommendations, contrary to its obligations under the institution building text, and would as the delegation of Emirates to do so.

Thank you Mr. President.
END//

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