Weekly Research Seminar Series - Towards a Strong UAE National Human Rights Institution: Complying with the Paris Principles and Beyond

Tuesday, 10 October 2023
4:00 PM GST
In-Person at Oasis Theatre and Online via MS Team

At this Wednesday's research seminar, we are delighted to host Professor Tenia Kyriazi and Dr. Daphne Demetriou. They will present their research work titled, “Towards a Strong UAE National Human Rights Institution: Complying with the Paris Principles and Beyond"

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Wednesday Research Seminar Series

We are pleased to invite you to our Wednesday Research Seminar. It will be held in hybrid mode on 11th October from 4pm at Oasis Theatre and via Microsoft team platform. Wednesday Research Seminar Series was launched in 2008 and has featured more than 340 presentations to date. The seminars provide a forum for researchers to share their work. Presenters include faculty from Middlesex University Dubai and other universities in the United Arab Emirates, as well as researchers from other global institutions. Tenia and Daphne will deliver seminar on:

“Towards a Strong UAE National Human Rights Institution: Complying with the Paris Principles and Beyond"

Presenters: Tenia Kyriazi and Daphne Demetriou

Abstract

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) play an instrumental role in supporting States to fulfil their human rights obligations, by monitoring and reporting on human rights issues, advising the governments on policies and laws, and advocating for reforms that aim to enhance the protection of human rights for all. The Paris Principles, adopted in 1993, have set out universal minimum standards for the establishment and operation of NHRIs and provide guidance to States with regards to their NHRIs’ structure, membership, operation and mandate. The Principles stipulate a broad and effective mandate, independence and pluralism as fundamental principles for credible, independent and effective NHRIs. With the establishment of its National Human Rights Institution in December 2021, the Government of the UAE sends a clear message of strong commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and engaging meaningfully with international human rights mechanisms and relevant universal standards. In this context, this research explores the application of the Paris Principles to the UAE NHRI, considering lessons learned from the region and relevant recommendations of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and its accreditation body, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA). It critically evaluates the UAE NHRI establishment, making a number of recommendations in relation to its mandate and operation and proposes important agenda items that can inform its action plan.

Presenters

Professor Tenia Kyriazi is the Deputy Director Teaching and Learning and Head of Law and Politics at Middlesex University Dubai. She holds a PhD in International Law, an LLM in International Law with International Relations, an LLB, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education. She is also a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK). Tenia is a member of the Athens Bar Association (Greece) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (CIArb). Tenia’s research interests include International Human Rights Law, International Organisations, International Judicial Organs, and Legal Education. Her work has been published in many peer reviewed journals.

Dr Daphne Demetriou is a Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University Dubai and Campus Programme Coordinator for PG Law and Politics. She holds an LLB from the University of Kent, an LLM in Public International Law from UCL and a PhD from Middlesex University London. She is a member of the Office of Research and Office of Student Research. Daphne’s research focus is on international human rights law, international criminal law and labour law, having conducted research on the definitional aspects of the crime of human trafficking, identification of trafficking, the interrelation between human trafficking and migration, labour law violations and trafficking for labour exploitation, and the rights of migrant domestic workers. She has presented her work in different conferences across the world, including the UK, UAE, Thailand and Prague. Daphne has also conducted project work relating to her research areas, having worked with human rights organisations in both Cyprus and Geneva.

Look forward to seeing you at the seminar!

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