UAE urges UN Human Rights Council to prioritise political solutions to crises in Arab world

UAE minister asks council to double efforts to address the suffering of people in Syria, Libya, Yemen and Palestine.

Ahmed Al Jarman, the UAE’s Assistant Minister for Human Rights and International Law, addressed the 37th meeting of the Human Rights Council at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva on Tuesday. AP

The Arab world is coping with multiple challenges and prolonged crises that have had dire consequences on the people in the region, a UAE assistant minister told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday.

Ahmed Al Jarman, the UAE's Assistant Minister for Human Rights and International Law, addressed the 37th meeting of the council and called for the prioritisation of political solutions in Syria, Libya, Yemen and Palestine.

Mr Al Jarman urged the UN Security Council to double efforts to address the suffering of the people in the region and put an end to human rights violations.

"The UAE and Saudi Arabia last month pledged to provide US$1.5 billion for Yemen," he said according to Wam, the state news agency.

The sum totals at more than 50 per cent of the funds needed under the UN Plan for Yemen this year, he said.

The UAE continues to work under the Arab Coalition to help Yemenis, providing the country with more than $2.5b in humanitarian aid since 2015.

He also said that the UAE stance on Syria is that continued regional interference undermines endeavours to ensure the safety of the people and the territorial integrity of the country.

"The UAE calls on all parties concerned with the Syrian crisis to adhere to international efforts aimed at putting an end to all acts of violence against civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to all Syrians," Mr Al Jarman said.

On Libya, the assistant minister said the UAE supported regional efforts to ensure national reconciliation, security and stability with peaceful dialogue the only path to support the political process.

On Iraq, he said the Emirates would continue to support the country in its battle against Daesh and back efforts to maintain unity in the country.

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Al Jarman also said the UAE sees the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories as the main factor causing instability in the region leading to acts of terrorism.

The UAE as a member of the Human Rights Council would continue to protect and strengthen human rights and cooperate with UN human rights agencies, Mr Al Jarman concluded.