UAE’s Humanitarian Leadership Spotlighted at UN Seminar in Geneva
Geneva, The Gulf Observer: The “Role of Human Rights Mechanisms in the Context of Armed Conflicts” seminar, organized by the Union Association for Human Rights, shed light on the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) commendable humanitarian endeavors amidst wars and armed conflicts. Hosted at the prestigious Palace of Nations in Geneva, the seminar brought together a diverse panel of speakers to discuss the UAE’s leading role as a humanitarian aid donor relative to its gross national income.
Convened by the Union Association for Human Rights in collaboration with the Arab-European Human Rights Dialogue and several European and international organizations, the seminar took place on the sidelines of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council. It underscored the UAE’s steadfast commitment to providing humanitarian and relief assistance to those affected by conflicts.
Throughout the event, speakers highlighted the UAE’s multifaceted humanitarian initiatives, focusing on essential aspects such as water and food security, hospital development, healthcare support, and treatment for the injured. These initiatives, carried out in collaboration with esteemed organizations like UNICEF and other UN bodies, aim to safeguard fundamental rights like life and health for conflict-affected populations.
Moreover, the seminar recognized the UAE’s significant contributions during its tenure on the UN Security Council, particularly its support for Resolution 2720. This resolution urges substantial steps to enhance humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza while prioritizing the protection of UN personnel and humanitarian workers during conflicts.
Advocating for the development of robust international mechanisms, the seminar emphasized the importance of safeguarding civilians during conflicts, upholding adherence to international humanitarian law, and granting immunity to humanitarian workers. Key recommendations included establishing humanitarian ceasefires, safe corridors for civilian access to essential services, and reinforcing protection for civilian infrastructure and medical facilities.
The seminar garnered broad participation from international experts, UN special rapporteurs, representatives of numerous human rights-focused international organizations and initiatives, and accredited journalists from participating countries in the Human Rights Council sessions. Their collective insights and recommendations underscored the urgency of prioritizing humanitarian aid and safeguarding human rights in conflict zones worldwide.
