Despite Poor Human Rights Record, UAE announces National Human Rights Institution

The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a federal law on Monday to establish a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI).

According to state news agency Wam, the institution aims to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms based on the provisions of the UAE Constitution, laws and legislation in force in the country, as well as relevant international conventions.

The announcement came as more than 200 political prisoners are still held in UAE jails for their peaceful and legitimate human rights advocacy. In numerous instances, the UAE government has tortured human rights defenders and activists in custody and has denied their citizens the right to a speedy trial and access to counsel during official investigations.

The government harshly restricts freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and the local media is censored to avoid criticism of the government, government officials or royal families. Freedom of association and freedom of religion are also curtailed.