H.H. Sheikh Mohammed chairs last cabinet meeting of 2020

@HHShkMohd/ Twitter

A National Commission for Human Rights will be established in the UAE.

The announcement was made on Twitter by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, after chairing the last cabinet meeting of 2020.

"Women, children, labourers, 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," His Highness said.

The authority will follow the Paris Principles for the National Human Rights Institutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

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. 

His Highness also approved the restructuring of the Emirates Competitiveness Council and the formation of a National Entrepreneurship Council.

A new council to coordinate federal and local financial policies will be formed, while an executive office within the foreign ministry will look into money laundering and terrorist financing. 

The cabinet has also adopted a number of climate change initiatives in line with the UAE’s commitment to the Paris Accord. 

A decision to set up a special judicial coordination council has been approved, while an executive regulation will look into preserving and protecting antiquities. 

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