The United Arab Emirates on Monday announced the formation of an authority to ensure human rights are upheld in the country. The new body will also aim to establish the country's status in persevering human rights in regional and global spheres. In a Cabinet meeting held on Monday, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai, approved the formation of the National Human Rights Authority. The meeting, which took place in Abu Dhabi's Qasr Al Watan, involved the adoption of ministerial resolutions and new structures for federal institutions and government councils. As part of the new independent human rights authority, the UAE seeks to develop networks with individuals and institutions around the world with an aim to achieve goals in empowering vulnerable segments of society. The authority will be granted financial and administrative independence to carry out its tasks. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: "Women, children, laborers, the elderly, people of determination and the vulnerable have rights that must be safeguarded. The authority will advance our country's efforts in protecting human rights." Highlighting the country's active role in safeguarding human rights, the authority will follow the Paris Principles for the National Human Rights Institutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The Cabinet adopted resolutions to restructure the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Council and establish the National Entrepreneurship Council, to be headed by the Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs. The new decisions aim to boost the country's economic activity and provide an environment that drives innovation and stimulates the growth of start-ups. Sheikh Mohammed Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: "2020 has taught us that our country is full of opportunities and that our youth deserve the best. We started growing their opportunities in domestic tourism, and we will take these efforts to the rest of the sectors." The Cabinet also approved the restructuring of the Emirates Competitiveness Council to undertake the tasks of reviewing and proposing policies, strategies, and legislation related to the country's competitive fields, in collaboration with government entities. The Council will oversee the implementation of initiatives and plans, evaluate national competitiveness, and ensure partnerships between government and private sectors. The Cabinet approved the issuance of the executive regulations of the federal law on antiquities to protect antiquities in times of crises and disasters and identify archaeological sites. The new move aims to regulate the trading of antiquities and to oversee the commitment of city planning departments and municipalities in preserving archaeological sites when designing, planning, and implementing projects. It will also monitor the role of relevant entities in training national cadres in excavations and archaeology. The Cabinet adopted new organizational structures for a number of bodies including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The Cabinet also adopted the formation of the executive office of the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism that aims to follow the country's performance in line with international requirements in this sector. The office will ensure the country's active collaboration with companies and partners across the world. The UAE also renewed its commitment to combatting climate change through approving contributions in line with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. — SG
