ABU DHABI (WAM)

The National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) has announced the implementation of a series of strategic initiatives as part of its awareness campaign, "Know Your Rights."

Launched in alignment with Human Rights Day 2024 under the theme "Our Rights, Our Future. Right Now," these initiatives aim to enhance understanding and engagement with human rights principles across various sectors.

A key highlight is the "Knowledge Lab," a series of seminars designed to educate NHRI employees on critical human rights topics.

The first session, titled "Introduction to Human Rights and International Human Rights Law," will be presented by Dr. Ahmed Al Mansoori, Member of the NHRI Board of Trustees.

Additionally, the NHRI will collaborate with the Geneva Centre for Human Rights and Global Dialogue (GCHRAGD) to host a joint panel discussion on December 11 as part of the Centre's Human Rights Awareness Week 2024.

Titled "The Role of NHRIs in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights," the panel will feature distinguished Speakers, including Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the NHRI, and Dr. Umesh Palwankar, Executive Director of the GCHRAGD.

Commenting on these initiatives, Kruse emphasised the importance of raising awareness about key human rights issues in alignment with the NHRI's strategic priorities, which focus on four critical areas: labour rights, women and children rights, people with disabilities (People of Determination) rights, and the right to health and mental health.

"Organising these events underscores the NHRI's commitment to advancing collaboration and continuous dialogue at both national and international levels. These efforts aim to enhance awareness of human rights while facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices in the field of human rights," said Kruse.

Looking ahead to 2025, the NHRI plans to expand its human rights initiatives, including the launch of "Manabir," a series of educational human rights episodes on YouTube, "Rights Journal," a semi-annual digital publication, and "Human Rights Oasis," a recurring forum to engage with civil society.

In addition, existing programmes such as "Legislation Lab" and "Knowledge Lab" will continue to serve as important platforms for advancing human rights education and dialogue.