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

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​

Monitoring the preparation and submission of periodic reports within the framework of UN and regional human rights mechanisms.
Overseeing the implementation of concluding observations and recommendations issued by UN and regional mechanisms.
Reviewing existing legislation and regulations in the country related to human rights and proposing amendments.
Developing national policies and plans to raise awareness and build capacity in the field of human rights.
Strengthening cooperation with national mechanisms, regional organizations, and UN human rights mechanisms.
Duties

PCHR Members

MOFA
MOI
MOHAP
MOHRE
MOJ
MOCD
MOE
MOF
SCMC
GWU
uae gender balance
ICP
ICP