The meeting in Abu Dhabi examined opportunities to deepen coordination between law enforcement and the independent rights body across training programs, complaint mechanisms and public education initiatives. Discussions reviewed progress on existing joint projects while identifying new areas where the two entities could align efforts to uphold national human rights standards. According to the Emirates News Agency, participants emphasised the value of integrated approaches that balance security needs with individual protections.
Dr. Saeed Al Ghfeli, Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Institution, outlined the body’s methodologies for field visits and institutional partnerships during the session. The talks built upon a series of specialised workshops the institution has conducted with the Ministry of Interior over the past year. One such session at the Ajman Police Officers’ Club targeted directors of police stations, prisons and investigation units.
The National Human Rights Institution reported that the Ajman workshop featured presentations by Al Ghfeli along with Abdulazeez Al Obthani, head of the international and regional organisations section, and Fatima Al Hosani, head of awareness and education. It formed part of ongoing field visits designed to foster effective collaboration with police authorities across the emirates. Similar awareness sessions were held for Dubai Police leadership in August 2025.
The National Human Rights Institution, created under federal law as an independent entity, has prioritised building partnerships with law enforcement to embed human rights principles in daily operations. Its activities support the UAE’s broader commitments under international frameworks while addressing local priorities in policing and corrections. Officials from both sides agreed to schedule follow-up meetings to translate discussions into actionable programs.
A conference organised by the Arab Interior Ministers Council in Egypt last September produced recommendations for enhanced ties between interior ministries and national human rights bodies across the region, according to a statement from the council’s secretariat. The UAE’s electronic human rights planning tools within its interior ministry drew positive attention at that gathering. The latest meeting between the Ministry of Interior and the National Human Rights Institution fits within this wider pattern of regional cooperation.
The National Human Rights Institution separately hosted a delegation from the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions in late August to exchange expertise on institutional best practices. That engagement, which included board members and senior staff, underscored the value of cross-border dialogue on rights issues. Both the Ministry of Interior and the National Human Rights Institution plan to leverage such regional insights in their domestic partnership.
