UAE highlights GCC's strong belief in human rights

The UAE Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organisations in Geneva has emphasised the Gulf Cooperation Council's commitment to human rights.

Ambassador Obaid Salem Al Zaabi was speaking on behalf of the regional bloc at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Al Zaabi stressed that solving international human rights issues should be based on a non-confrontational approach.

He said this involves objective dialogue on relevant issues, which can only happen if everyone respects the sovereignty of nations, adheres to the principles of transparency and fairness, and considers the unique political, historical, social, religious and cultural characteristics of each country.

The Ambassador added that the world is currently experiencing dire circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He acknowledged that the crisis has had a negative effect on human rights, exacerbating global inequality, especially in terms of economic and development.

Al Zaabi pointed out that GCC countries believe ensuring the right to development is necessary to guarantee everyone’s enjoyment of all other rights.

He said the bloc approves the content of a report by the advisory commission on the necessity of taking concrete steps to overcome the obstacles facing this right in light of the 33rd anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development.