Legislation Details
- Full Title: Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights
- Law Type: Federal Law
- Law Number: [12] of 2021
- Issued Date: 19 May 2021
- Effective Date: 01 Jun 2021
- Official Gazette: No. 703
- Sector: Government Affairs
- Status: Active
- Number of Articles: 48
- Chapters/Parts: 0
- Amendments: 0
Summary
This Federal Law establishes the National Authority for Human Rights, an independent body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights in the United Arab Emirates. The Authority aims to spread a culture of human rights, provide advice and recommendations to the government, monitor human rights violations, and cooperate with international human rights organizations. The law outlines the Authority's structure, powers, and relationship with government entities. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 1-24) The National Authority for Human Rights is a significant development in the UAE's efforts to strengthen its human rights framework. The Authority's independence, broad mandate, and ability to engage with the government and international bodies make it an important institution for safeguarding and advancing human rights in the country. The law's provisions empower the Authority to play a crucial role in ensuring the UAE's compliance with its international human rights obligations and promoting a culture of respect for fundamental freedoms. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 1-24)
What is the scope and purpose of this law?
The law establishes the National Authority for Human Rights, an independent body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights in the United Arab Emirates. The Authority aims to fulfill this purpose in accordance with the provisions of the UAE Constitution, applicable laws and legislation, and relevant international charters, covenants, and agreements. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 2, 4)
What are the key definitions under this law?
The law provides the following key definitions:
- State: United Arab Emirates
- Government: Government of the UAE
- Authority: National Authority for Human Rights
- Board: Authority's Board of Trustees
- Chairman: Chairman of the Authority
- Deputy: Deputy of the Chairman of the Authority
- Competent Authorities: Federal and local government agencies in the State
- Competent Entities: Non-profit organisations and associations
- International Organisations: International and regional governmental and non-governmental organisations
- Secretary General: Authority's Secretary General
- General Secretariat: Authority's General Secretariat
(Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 1)
What are the main obligations and requirements?
The law outlines the following key obligations and requirements for the National Authority for Human Rights: 1. Participate with government and non-profit entities in developing a national action plan for the promotion and protection of human rights. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 5(1)) 2. Spread the culture of human rights and educate the community through seminars, conferences, and discussions. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 5(2)) 3. Provide proposals, recommendations, and advice to government entities on protecting and promoting human rights. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 5(3)) 4. Monitor human rights violations and report them to the relevant authorities. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 5(6)) 5. Conduct field visits to various institutions and monitor the human rights situation. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 5(7))
Which authorities or bodies are responsible for enforcement?
The law establishes the following key authorities and bodies responsible for the governance and enforcement of the National Authority for Human Rights: 1. The Board of Trustees, which is responsible for setting the Authority's general policy, approving its strategic and operational plans, and overseeing its various activities. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 6, 10) 2. The Chairman, who represents the Authority and exercises its powers. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 3) 3. The Secretary General, who is the executive head of the Authority's administrative body and answers directly to the Chairman. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 16, 17) 4. The President of the UAE, who is responsible for appointing the Board members and the Secretary General. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 6, 16)
How does this law interact with other UAE legislation?
The law references the following UAE federal legislation: 1. Federal Law No. (1) of 1972 on the Competences of the Ministries and the Powers of the Ministers 2. Federal Law No. (7) of 1999 Promulgating Pensions and Social Security Law 3. Federal Law by Decree No. (11) of 2008 Concerning Human Resources in the Federal Government 4. Federal Decree by Law No. (26) of 2019 Concerning Public Finance (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Preamble) The law does not explicitly repeal or amend any other legislation. However, it establishes the National Authority for Human Rights as an independent body with the mandate to promote and protect human rights in the UAE, which may impact the roles and responsibilities of other government entities in this field. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Art. 2-5)
When did this law come into effect?
This Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights came into effect on 1 June 2021, as stated in the Effective Date provision. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Effective Date) The law was published in the Official Gazette No. 703 on 31 May 2021. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Official Gazette Date) The law does not contain any transitional provisions, indicating that its provisions became applicable immediately upon the effective date of 1 June 2021. (Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights, 2021, Effective Date)
Source Documents
This article analyses Federal Law Concerning the National Authority for Human Rights for legal research and educational purposes. For the purpose of interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text prevails. This does not constitute legal advice.