Analysts and rights groups say the UAE's national human rights institution lacks independence: the president alone selects its board
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Under Federal Law No. 12 of 2021, only the UAE president selects members of the National Human Rights Institution, and membership criteria include subjective standards such as 'exemplary conduct', according to a Gulf International Forum analysis, which argues this creates a conflict of interest and recommends long-term funding guarantees, though the law provides for an independent budget. A March 2025 NGO report says the institution lacks a transparent, consultative appointment process, does not disclose its funding sources, and is used to improve the UAE's international image. These are critics' assessments; the sources note the institution is still to be reviewed for international accreditation. The UAE government has not responded in the sources.
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