Latest news with #NHRI
Libya Observer
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Libyan rights activist: Mitiga prison visit was 'theatrical,' involved suspicious figures
Libyan human rights activist and head of the 'Victims for Human Rights Organization,' Nasser Al-Hawari, has criticized a recent visit organized by the Mitiga Prison administration and the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), describing it as a staged event orchestrated by the Deterrence Apparatus and the NHRI. In a Facebook post, Al-Hawari accused the NHRI of colluding with the Deterrence Apparatus to whitewash its image before the public. He also alleged that the visit included participation by suspicious individuals, notably NHRI member Adel Hammouda, whom he accused of supporting the Radaa (Deterrence) Apparatus. Al-Hawari claimed Hammouda had previously appeared in a protest in Ain Zara reading a statement against the Government of National Unity. Al-Hawari further revealed that a man named Mohamed Sakhr accompanied the NHRI delegation during their prison tour and inmate visits, despite reportedly having been sentenced to 14 years in prison for running an alcohol factory. According to Al-Hawari, Sakhr was later pardoned by Radaa chief Abdelraouf Kara and now heads the inmate affairs office at Mitiga Prison. Al-Hawari claimed this was part of a broader trend of integrating convicted criminals into the apparatus in exchange for reduced sentences. He called on the NHRI to refrain from exploiting the cases of detainees and the unjustly imprisoned for political or institutional gain. The NHRI had earlier announced that its team, alongside the Human Rights Committee of the High Council of State, conducted an inspection visit to the Tripoli Main Correction and Rehabilitation Facility and Mitiga Prison — an initiative it described as the first of its kind. Tags: Human Rights Mitiga prison
Zawya
3 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
NHRI participates in International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights in Doha
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) concluded its participation in the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, held in Doha, Qatar, from 27–28 May under the theme 'Opportunities, Risks, and Visions for a Better Future.' The NHRI delegation was led by H.E. Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the NHRI, and included Dr. Ahmed Al Mansoori, Member of the Board of Trustees; Mr. Hamad Al Balooshi, Director of Support Services; Mr. Abdulazeez Al Obathani, Head of the International and Regional Organizations Section; and Mr. Saeed Al Ahbabi, Legal Researcher at NHRI's General Secretariat. As part of the conference programme, Dr. Ahmed Al Mansoori delivered a working paper titled 'The role of NHRI in promoting the legal and ethical aspects of artificial intelligence in the UAE' during the session titled 'Human Rights and Artificial Intelligence: A Perspective from National Human Rights Institutions.' His presentation highlighted the critical importance of placing human rights at the core of technological innovation, especially in the evolving field of artificial intelligence. In his remarks, Dr. Al Mansoori expressed his sincere appreciation to the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar and the organizing partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), for convening this timely and impactful conference. He noted the importance of fostering dialogue at a time when rapid technological advancement intersects with growing global human rights concerns. He also emphasized that artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing social structures, governance systems, and labor markets, while simultaneously raising complex questions related to human rights, the rule of law, and equity. Commenting on the NHRI's participation, H.E. Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the NHRI, stated: 'The NHRI places great emphasis on the ethical aspects of artificial intelligence from a human rights perspective. We believe that no technological advancement can be truly sustainable or socially acceptable without being firmly grounded in ethical and human rights principles.' H.E. Kruse noted that the NHRI has forged a strategic partnership with the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications Office to ensure the integration of human rights considerations into national policies on emerging technologies. He also highlighted the NHRI's active participation in the 2024 World Government Summit, where AI was a key theme and its participation in the AI Retreat held during Dubai AI Week in April this year where the institution called for robust legislative and ethical frameworks to guide AI deployment in ways that safeguard fundamental rights. He further underscored the UAE's leadership in this area, being the first country to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017. Since then, the UAE has launched a national AI strategy, established a national AI council, and implemented ambitious projects such as Stargate in Abu Dhabi, Zero Bureaucracy, and Smart Government; all designed to harness technology while maintaining a human-centric approach. In addition, he referenced the UAE's Charter for the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, which supports the goals of the national AI strategy and sets out key principles, including progress, collaboration, ethics, community, sustainability, and safety. شH.E. Kruse emphasized that the principle of ethics lies at the heart of the charter, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to tackling challenges such as bias, accountability, and transparency through responsible AI development that upholds human dignity and rights. The NHRI's participation in the conference reflects its role as an active contributor to shaping policies that strike a balance between innovation and the protection of individual freedoms. Through continued collaborةation and exchange of expertise with human rights institutions, the NHRI seeks to promote transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance frameworks for emerging technologies. About the National Human Rights Institution: The National Human Rights Institution was established under Federal Law No. (12) of 2021 as an independent entity with financial and administrative autonomy in carrying out its functions, activities, and mandates. The NHRI aims to promote and protect human rights and freedoms in accordance with the provisions of the UAE Constitution, applicable laws and legislations, as well as relevant international conventions, treaties, and agreements.
Zawya
25-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
NHRI organises awareness workshop for domestic worker recruitment centre staff in Dubai
Abu Dhabi, UAE: As part of efforts to promote human rights' awareness and foster a culture of protecting domestic workers' rights, the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), recently organised an awareness workshop for staff at domestic worker recruitment centres at the Ministry's headquarters in Dubai, targeting 'Tadbeer' centres and their staff. Abdulaziz Al Obathani, Head of International and Regional Organisations Section at the NHRI, along with Maytha Al Shamsi, Project Coordinator from the Strategic Communications Department, delivered a detailed presentation on the NHRI's mandate and areas of responsibility. They also highlighted the rights of domestic workers in the UAE and the essential role of employers in safeguarding these rights. The session received strong and positive engagement from attendees, featuring open discussions and questions. It aimed to enhance awareness in 'Tadbeer' staff of their obligations and responsibilities in maintaining a fair work environment that upholds human dignity. The workshop also provided a platform to listen to the challenges faced by staff and address their inquiries, aligning with NHRI's ongoing efforts to promote and embed a culture of human rights across institutions and society. About the National Human Rights Institution: The National Human Rights Institution was established under Federal Law No. (12) of 2021 as an independent entity with financial and administrative autonomy in carrying out its functions, activities and mandates. The NHRI aims to promote and protect human rights and freedoms in accordance with the provisions of the UAE Constitution, applicable laws and legislations, as well as relevant international conventions, treaties and agreements.
Libya Review
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya's NHRI Demands Probe into Dbaiba Government
Libya's National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) has issued a damning statement accusing Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba's Government of National Unity (GNU) of committing a 'political crime' by coercing thousands of civil servants and military personnel to participate in a staged pro-government rally in Martyrs' Square, Tripoli. According to the NHRI, it received verified complaints from public sector employees who reported being subjected to 'direct pressure and explicit threats,' including termination, forced transfers, and suspension of salaries, should they fail to attend the gathering. The institution condemned the move as a 'flagrant violation of the Libyan constitution, national laws, and international human rights obligations.' 'Thousands of state employees were compelled to take part in pro-Dbaiba demonstrations — a scenario Libya has not witnessed even during its darkest authoritarian eras,' the statement read. The NHRI emphasized that this act constitutes a crime involving the misuse of state institutions and public resources to impose political loyalty through coercion. It added that the government's actions reflect 'the most repressive aspects of authoritarian rule' and contribute to the erosion of civil freedoms in Libya. The statement also warned of the grave implications of militarizing state institutions. It revealed that military personnel, police forces, and armed brigades — particularly from the city of Misrata — were reportedly pressured to join the orchestrated demonstrations. 'Forcing soldiers and police officers into political displays sets a dangerous precedent and undermines national unity, democratic integrity, and the people's demand for fair elections and legitimate governance,' the NHRI warned. The human rights body announced it will submit an urgent official complaint to the Attorney General's Office, including names of government officials implicated in the operation and supporting documentation from aggrieved civil servants. Additionally, the NHRI confirmed that it has begun documenting all related violations for submission to relevant international human rights bodies. 'We call for an immediate, independent investigation into Prime Minister Dbaiba and the involved ministers,' the statement concluded. 'This is not just a violation of civil rights — it is a political and ethical collapse.' Tags: Abdel-Hamid DbaibaHuman RightslibyaNHRItripoli
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
National Human Rights Institution conducts third inspection of workers' housing in Sharjah
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: As part of its ongoing efforts to promote and protect labor rights in the UAE, the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) conducted its third inspection visit to a workers' accommodation facility in the Emirate of Sharjah. The visit is part of a series of regular field inspections carried out by the Institution to monitor workers' living and working conditions, ensuring their rights are fully upheld in accordance with national legislation and international human rights conventions and treaties. The delegation was led by Ms. Noor Al Suwaidi, Member of the Board of Trustees, and included H.E. Mohammed Al Hammadi, Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Noman, both also Members of the Board of Trustees, and H.E. Dr. Saeed Al Ghfeli, Secretary-General of the Institution. They were accompanied by a team of staff and labor rights specialists. During the visit, the delegation held several side meetings with residents to listen to their feedback regarding living conditions and the work environment. These interactions provided an opportunity to assess the situation on the ground and gather valuable insights to inform recommendations for further strengthening labor protections. Commenting on the visit, H.E. Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the NHRI, stated: 'These visits are not just observational exercises; they are a cornerstone of our commitment to transforming feedback into action. By directly engaging with workers, we are able to surface real-world challenges and translate them into informed recommendations that help strengthen labor rights frameworks across the country. This approach reflects our broader vision of institutional transparency, responsiveness, and inclusive human rights development.' He further affirmed that the NHRI will continue conducting field visits across the country to reinforce direct engagement with various community groups and to promote a culture of human rights. 'Our work is rooted in advancing the values of justice, dignity, and respect in all aspects of work and daily life,' he concluded. About the National Human Rights Institution: The National Human Rights Institution was established under Federal Law No. 12 of 2021, which stipulates that the Institution is an independent legal entity with financial and administrative autonomy in performing its duties, activities, and functions. It aims to promote and protect human rights and freedoms in accordance with the UAE Constitution, applicable laws and regulations, and relevant international charters and agreements.
