About Us

The Permanent Committee for Human Rights

The Permanent Committee for Human Rights​

The UAE is deeply committed to human rights and to further advancing these rights domestically and internationally. The UAE’s human rights policies are based on the principles of equality, social justice and respect for human dignity as defined by our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the UAE. These principles have underpinned the development of the UAE as a progressive, diverse and tolerant country – where human rights are guaranteed by the Constitution.

In this context, the Permanent Committee for Human Rights (formerly named the National Human Rights Committee) was established by the Council of Ministers in October 2019. Its members include several UAE ministries and institutions. The Permanent Committee for Human Rights (PCHR) is at the centre of the UAE’s ongoing efforts in protecting and promoting human rights.

Acting as the national liaison and coordinator between relevant ministries and human rights bodies within the UAE, the PCHR aims to advance the human rights agenda in line with internationally recognised standards.

Members of the PCHR

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • The Ministry of Interior
  • The Ministry of Justice
  • Ministry of Community Empowerment
  • The Ministry of Health and Prevention
  • The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence
  • The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
  • The Ministry of Education
  • The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood
  • The General Women’s Union
  • The Gender Balance Council
  • The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security

The PCHR plays a crucial role in advancing the UAE’s ongoing efforts to protect and promote human rights by supporting the development of comprehensive strategies that foster their effective implementation across various sectors and reflect the nation’s commitment to international human rights standards. The PCHR also works closely with global human rights organisations and partner countries to support progress and uphold human dignity.

Vision

Promoting and protecting human rights in accordance with the values and principles of the UAE and recognized international standards.

Mission

The UAE is deeply committed to human rights and to further advancing these rights domestically and internationally. The PCHR is central to these efforts, and is dedicated to building upon the UAE’s progress in this space by coordinating relevant bodies in the UAE, as well as human rights organisations and partner countries worldwide.

Our Values​

Responsibility

Transparency

Professionalism

Collaboration

Partnership

Duties​

Examine existing UAE human rights legislation, and submit recommendations for amendments to the Council of Ministers, ensuring legislative frameworks are aligned with internationally recognised human rights standards.
Prepare the UAE’s National Human Rights Strategy in collaboration with relevant authorities and follow up on its implementation.
Prepare periodic reports on human rights in the UAE to monitor progress and submit for review before the UN treaty bodies and other relevant mechanisms. Supervise the implementation of recommendations to strengthen human rights, and provide guidance to inform next steps.
Support the activities and programmes of relevant UAE entities.
Work closely with international human rights organisations and countries that share the UAE’s values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect.
Duties

PCHR Members