It was held at the Hilton Capital hotel in Abu Dhabi as part of the Ministry of Interior’s celebrations of The International Human Rights Day which is celebrated on 10 December every year.

Al Shafar affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promote awareness of respect for human rights and protection of basic freedoms and dignity of the community members which are guaranteed by the UAE constitution and are derived from our religion’s lofty values.

The forum opening was attended by Major General Dr. Nasser Al Raisi Inspector General at the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Abdul Raheem Yousef Al Awadhi, Assistant Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, Maher Al Obad, Assistant Undersecretary for inspection at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, Dr. Hatim Ali director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to the GCC states, Brigadier Ahmed Nukhaira, Director of Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Interior, and a number of police officers and human rights professionals at the Ministry and other concerned institutions in the country.

The first session, which was chaired by Dr. Ibtisam Al Ketbi, UAE representative at the advisory committee of GCC countries, included several papers. She first praised the Human Rights Department for organizing the forum which highlights the UAE cultural image in the field of human rights.

Director of Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aamina Ali Al Muhairi reviewed the UAE recommendations and plans on human rights which mainly focused on the workers’ rights, civil liberties and woman rights, among others.

The second session was chaired by director of Human Rights Department at Dubai Police Brigadier Mohammed Abdullah Al Murr. It included three papers, the first one was presented by Jassim Al Naqbi head of human rights committee at the Federal National Council; the second paper was given by Head of Human Rights Office at the Judiciary Department Fatima Abdul Raheem Al Badwawi; and the third paper was delivered by Chairman of the UAE Human Rights Society Mohammed Salim Al Kaabi.

At the end of the Forum, corporate communication manager of Ewa?a centers Maitha Ghanim Al Mazrouie reviewed the Forum’s recommendations which included: holding of annual coordination meetings between the official bodies and the civil community organizations, providing human rights workers with the required knowledge and skills, participating in the regional and international conferences and events on human rights, creating and constantly updating human rights database across the UAE, and implementing programs to educate the public about human rights.

As part of the event, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior has honored the Forum’s speakers and session moderators as well as contributors to the success of the human rights diploma. He also attended the graduation of the first batch of the “Human Rights Diploma” and recognized top achievers.

He also opened the human rights exhibition where many government departments have showcased their awareness publications on human rights.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has showcased its smart inspection system while the UAE Human Rights Society has participated with a number of publications about the laws and the agreements signed by the UAE have on human rights.

Also showcased was the Aman, a service that encourages the public to report crimes by calling toll free 8002626 or sending SMS to 2828.
The Community Police Department at Abu Dhabi Police has also demonstrated its efforts on crime prevention and children protection. The Culture Respect Bureau and the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Interior have participated with a number of outstanding publications.