UAE National Human Rights Institution Approves Two New Standing Committees
By Thasmiya
The UAE’s **National Human Rights Institution (NHRI)** has approved the establishment of two new standing committees as part of efforts to strengthen its organisational structure and human rights oversight.
The decision was announced on **September 23, 2026**, following the third meeting of the NHRI Board of Trustees during its second term at the institution’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
## **What are the two new committees?**
The first standing committee will focus on **rights and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)**.
The second committee will be responsible for **complaints, monitoring and field visits**.
According to the NHRI, establishing the committees is intended to further develop its institutional framework and strengthen its oversight and human rights functions in line with international standards.
## **Committee for rights and NGOs**
The first committee will focus on matters related to rights and non-governmental organisations.
Its creation comes as the NHRI works to strengthen engagement with civil society and organisations involved in community and human rights matters.
Earlier in September, the NHRI and the UAE Ministry of Community Empowerment discussed greater cooperation involving public-benefit organisations, community participation and the exchange of expertise on policies related to human rights and quality of life.
## **Committee for complaints, monitoring and field visits**
The second standing committee will focus on **complaints, monitoring and field visits**.
This gives the committee a role connected to following up on human rights-related matters and supporting the institution’s monitoring responsibilities.
The latest announcement did not provide detailed procedures for submitting complaints to the new committee or specify how its field visits will operate. Those details may be clarified as the committee begins its work.
## **Who chaired the meeting?**
The Board of Trustees meeting was chaired by **Dr. Salem Suhail Al Neyadi**, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution and Chairman of its Board of Trustees.
Board members representing government entities also attended. It was their first gathering during the Board’s current term.
## **Why were the new committees created?**
The two committees form part of a wider effort to develop the NHRI’s operational structure.
During the meeting, the Board also discussed administrative decisions aimed at improving the institution’s operations and reviewed regulations governing both the Board and the NHRI itself.
The Board additionally discussed cooperation and coordination with government representatives, including ways to exchange expertise and perspectives on human rights matters.
## **What powers do NHRI committees have?**
The National Human Rights Institution operates under **Federal Law No. 12 of 2021**.
Under Article 15 of the law, the Board can establish permanent or temporary committees and working groups to examine issues falling within the NHRI’s mandate.
Standing committees are required to meet once a month and submit their reports to the Board. They may also seek assistance from experts and specialists, although invited experts do not have voting rights.
## **What does the National Human Rights Institution do?**
The NHRI has a mandate to promote and protect human rights in the UAE.
Its work includes providing recommendations and advisory opinions, engaging with relevant institutions and contributing to the development of the country’s human rights framework.
Recent NHRI activity has included discussions with the UAE Public Prosecution on human rights, justice and the rule of law, as well as engagement with the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation on safeguards relating to life, health, safety and environmental protection.
## **Why this matters**
The creation of the two standing committees gives the NHRI more specialised structures for handling different areas of its mandate.
One committee creates a dedicated focus on rights and NGOs, while the other concentrates on complaints, monitoring and field visits.
The NHRI says the changes are intended to strengthen the protection and promotion of rights while developing an institutional approach that operates with efficiency, independence and long-term sustainability.
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