|
|
|
| |
| A comprehensive guide
to current and future events and exhibitions in the UAE |
|
Natural history of the UAE,
covering all animals and plants recorded in the Emirates. |
|
|
UAE is keen on tackling human rights issues head on: Gargash
posted on 05/12/2008
 Geneva - The UAE is keen on tackling human rights issues head on, said H.E. Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
In a statement delivered before the third UPR Working Group reviewing UAE's fulfilment of human rights obligations, Gargash said that this aspiration stems "from our own cultural heritage and religious values which enshrine justice, equality and tolerance.
The government is aware of the significance of its human rights record and is investing its energies to modernize laws and practices." The government is also aware that respecting human rights in accordance with international human charters and customs is a priority, and we look towards meeting this priority at all levels. In addition, the UAE has already ratified a number of international conventions, which are listed in the National Report." Following is the full text of the statement made by Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign: Affairs Good morning Mr. President, Honourable High Commissioner, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, My delegation and I are honoured to present the national report of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at this session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and take this opportunity to relay to you the warm greetings of the UAE government.
The UAE welcomes the UPR process as a promising United Nations General Assembly mechanism to constructively review every country's performance in comprehensively protecting, promoting and fulfilling the main principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The UAE's process of compiling the UPR report was a combined effort, conducted by a specifically formed committee that represented government authorities, both federal and local, and civil society organisations, including human rights and journalists associations. A draft was developed and sent to government ministries, civil associations, various individuals with a record of public service as well as our National Assembly - the Federal National Council - for feedback. Workshops and meetings were conducted to discuss and debate pertinent issues and opinions were sought from diverse entities, before preparation of the final version. Several members who were involved in the compilation of the report are part of the delegation here today.
Further details on the consultation process at both the federal and local levels that were an essential component to drafting the UAE's statement is outlined in the National Report that was submitted to the Human Rights Council.
At the outset, let me state that amid a rapid modernisation process, the UAE - a federation of seven emirates -- has had a challenging, but progressive track record on human rights issues. We have had our ups and downs in this process and how our efforts have been appraised. But our commitment is resolute and we intend to do better by sharing our experiences and learning from the best practices of the international community.
With a deep aspiration to improve, the UAE is keen on tackling human rights issues head on. This aspiration stems from our own cultural heritage and religious values which enshrine justice, equality and tolerance. The government is aware of the significance of its human rights record and is investing its energies to modernize laws and practices. The government is also aware that respecting human rights in accordance with international human charters and customs is a priority, and we look towards meeting this priority at all levels. In addition, the UAE has already ratified a number of international conventions, which are listed in the National Report.
The UAE respects the integrity of every individual that resides in the country. Its commitment to guarantee equality and social justice for all citizens is ingrained in the Constitution. Our Constitution also outlines the freedoms and rights of all citizens, prohibits torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, respects civil liberties, including freedom of speech and press, peaceful assembly and association, as well as religion.
Moving forward, the UAE is committed to studying the framework for accession to the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The UAE has amply demonstrated its commitment to these principles through the enactment of several laws that have been effectively implemented, details of which are in the report.
The UAE's open-minded approach has ensured a healthy amalgam of its own traditions and values, as well as those of the rest of the world. The net result is the existence of a balance between our Islamic traditions and heritage and the practices of other countries.
Mr. President, The UAE believes that its people and their continued well-being are at the heart of a healthy and stable polity. The population has a high standard of living and is now reaping the benefits of investment in the education, health and social services. For example, more than 648,000 students were enrolled in 1259 public and private schools in 2007/2008 and the government's policy of guaranteeing free education up to the university level for all citizens has resulted in a 93 percent literacy rate. Today, we have over 60 public and private universities in the UAE and our drive to improve education across the board is a key component of our government's strategy.
In this regard, the UAE is committed to raising the age for compulsory education to 18 years.
In other fields, rapid advancement in healthcare facilities drastically reduced infant mortality to about eight per thousand births in 2008 and raised the average life expectancy age to 77 years for men and 80 years for women. In addition, efforts are being made to develop human resources, facilitate the empowerment of women, and provide social welfare to the more vulnerable in society. Though the impact of social change has been significant and has resulted in several challenges, the UAE is proud to be a tolerant and open society that nonetheless cherishes its traditional roots.
The government strategy focuses on ensuring country-wide sustainable development, in line with the United Nations efforts to promote human development. Initiatives to realise this objective include enacting legislation and special regulations for the assimilation of members of society with special needs and other vulnerable groups into the development process; increasing rehabilitation and training programmes in partnership with other local and private institutions; providing free or subsidised housing; training social welfare dependents for the job market; providing financial assistance to those in need; as well as enacting legislation and laws to encourage local institutions, individuals and the private sector to provide social services.
The country's social security policy illustrates this effort - in 2008, the government allocated over $600 million in financial assistance to 16 vulnerable sections of society, numbering nearly 38,000 people, with the elderly, physically challenged, orphans, widows, and divorced women topping the list of beneficiaries. Further, the Ministry of Interior has also adopted a programme for the rehabilitation and employment of physically challenged people by offering training and employment in the emirate they reside in.
In line with this approach, the UAE is committed to accede to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
On the issue of protection of children, the UAE has taken substantive measures to ensure that their rights are fulfilled and that protections and safeguards are in place. The State emphasizes the necessity of adequate childcare, enacting legislation that regulates children's rights to healthcare, education and a protected upbringing.
Here again, the UAE is committed to accession to the protocols of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
More details of social welfare measures for women and children are listed in the National Report.
Mr. President, The UAE considers the following issues as critical in its pursuit of a positive human rights record - political participation, women and labour. While some of these have been subjects of international scrutiny in the past, these are also issues that the UAE has proactively addressed during the last few years. We have achieved a great measure of success, and are confident of taking more positive steps in the future. I take this opportunity to outline some of these measures here: First, political participation: Major steps have been taken during the last few years, both at the federal and local levels, to modernize and institutionalize the UAE government structure in order to make it more responsive to the needs of its growing population and to widen the avenues of participation. This objective is to ensure that government is better equipped to cope with the challenges of development.
It is important to highlight here the tradition of direct political participation, popularly known as majlis or council, which has existed for centuries, allowing open consultative meetings between the leadership and the people. While this tradition still continues culturally, institutional mechanisms of seeking and stating opinions have also been created for our expanding population.
The tradition and process of consultation and dialogue were reflected in the establishment of the UAE federation in 1971, as well as the consultative body of the nation, the Federal National Council (FNC), soon after. At the local level, individual emirates have consultation mechanisms that hear complaints and suggestions from the people, and ensure they have a voice in the decision-making process.
In order to take these positive practices forward, the UAE has initiated a political modernization plan that seeks to expand the avenues for political participation. The changes envisioned by the UAE leadership represent a gradualist perspective based on the need to transform the country's political heritage - from the traditional values of consensus and the primacy of the consultative process - into a modernized and institutionalized process.
The political modernisation plan outlined by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a multi-stage process. With the intention of making the FNC a representative body, as well as enhancing the role and authority of the FNC, landmark elections in 2006 saw half its members elected to public office via an electoral college of nominated citizens. Moving forward, the UAE is considering how to increase the FNC's scope of authority and responsibility leading to comprehensive and direct elections of half the FNC members. I am happy to inform you that two days ago, constitutional amendments were approved by the Supreme Council to fulfil a part of this plan.
The country's multi-faceted success has resulted in strong links between citizens and government based on trust and mutual respect. This relationship ensured the support of UAE citizens for the election process and for the means through which the political modernisation programme is being implemented.
The debate in the UAE is no longer about whether or not to introduce political reforms, but more about what political participation mechanism best suits the country and how these steps need to be implemented to ensure greater national stability and security, as well as continued progress and development for its people.
Mr. President, The second story I would like to highlight is that of women, a story which we are rightly proud of in the UAE. Contrary to some misconceptions and stereotypes that women are a restricted group in our society, women are in fact at the forefront in both the government and private sector today. Their prominent role within society has evolved as a norm and not an exception.
Furthermore, the UAE leadership is committed to empowering women and utilising their skills in the growing economy. Currently, nearly half the students registered in 1259 schools across the UAE are girls; about 75 percent of all students in the UAE University are women; and, three out of every five students in the public higher education system are women.
UAE women account for nearly 30 percent of the national workforce and currently occupy posts ranging from civil servants to engineers and bankers, as well as traditional jobs in teaching and healthcare. Women are also increasingly visible in the law enforcement agencies and have been a part of the Armed Forces too.
Emirati women are also emerging as leaders in non-traditional careers, from airline pilots to ambassadors. In the past few months, the judiciary has appointed women to a number of high-level positions, including marriage registrars, public prosecutors and judges; more such efforts are expected to follow. In politics, nearly 18 percent of the Electoral College established to vote in the FNC elections was made up of women; and 63 of the 452 candidates who contested the polls were women. One woman was directly elected in this election and the government also nominated eight others to the 40-member FNC, which translates into 22.5 percent share of the seats, compared to the world average of 17 percent.
In February, the Cabinet reshuffle increased the number of women ministers to four, which reflects the government's serious commitment to positively impact women's leadership role in society. Women form 60 percent of UAE government sector employees, of which 30 percent are in high-level posts.
Simultaneously, the government's holistic approach to women's issues has resulted in a number of social support initiatives across the country. Amongst these, the Dubai Shelter for Women and Children was established to provide support and psychological care to all women, both nationals and expatriates, who are victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, family neglect, employer abuse and other social problems. Under the umbrella of the UAE Red Crescent Authority, a similar shelter has been established in the country's capital of Abu Dhabi. More such shelters are planned across the country. Other organizations offering similar social services are the Social Support Centre of the Abu Dhabi Police and the Human Rights Care Department of Dubai Police.
At a broader level, the UAE also championed the cause of women in the region by hosting the second Arab Women's Organisation conference in November. Further, the government has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, an international benchmark for high standards of non-discrimination.
More details related to the progress of women in the UAE are listed in the National Report.
Mr. Chairman, A large part of the UAE's population is made up of culturally-diverse foreign workers attracted by the positive employment opportunities and tolerant social environment in the country. The UAE is proud to have developed into an open, modern Arab and Islamic model for the region with over 200 nationalities among its workforce.
Such diversity also brings its challenges, and the conditions and regulations for our workforce remains a work in progress. For the UAE, respecting labour rights is a moral, cultural and economic imperative. As a member of the International Labour Organisation, the Arab Labour Organisation and other labour-focused multilateral organisations, the UAE seeks to work transparently and objectively with regard to its obligations. Over the past few years, federal and individual emirate governments have instituted sweeping reforms aimed at improving working conditions and worker rights, reflecting the UAE's commitment to treating all guest workers with dignity and respect.
Most labour issues concern expatriate workers, especially the unskilled segment, which has made a significant contribution to the growth of the economy. More than 3.1 million foreign workers are contractually employed in the UAE. As the country moves ahead on its development path, we are doing our best to ensure that no person living, working and contributing to this society undergoes any form of abuse or exploitation. The government is fully committed to creating the necessary mechanisms and safeguards to protect all who reside and work in the UAE, and is working on several fronts to address the challenges.
The UAE considers enforcement of policies aimed at protecting the rights of workers as critical. Ensuring the fair and on-time payment of workers is a particular priority of the labour policy enforcement, which is beginning to positively impact the labour climate in the country. Improving working conditions is another area for action that has seen noticeable progress. In 2007, 122,000 facilities were inspected by the labour ministry personnel, resulting in penalties for 8588 violations related to working conditions and workers' rights.
More importantly, the government is working on a new law to protect domestic workers, which will afford them far greater protection and assurances. The new initiative will particularly benefit women, who are a major component of this segment of the workforce.
This takes forward the 2006 decision of enforcing mandatory employment contracts to protect the rights of domestic workers in relation to salary, accommodation, healthcare and working hours. The UAE is also in the process of finalising a revised version of Federal Labour Law No. 8 of 1980, which has already seen amendments in 1981, 1985 and 1986.
In a move to ensure more accountability, efficiency and transparency among its employees, the Ministry of Labour has introduced a complaints hotline for the general public to record grievances.
Further, in recent years, the UAE has improved dialogue with individual labour-exporting countries and established consultations at the multilateral level to encourage a spirit of partnership. This includes a pilot project aimed at studying the difficulties faced by workers from the point of job recruitment in their countries until they return home after employment in the UAE.
The government is working tirelessly towards managing and governing the working environment in accordance with international conventions and international labour standards. The unique challenge of demographics in our country remains a key issue not only in terms of national identity but also in terms of our national security. Our policies must always take this into account.
Nonetheless, we also take pride in the range of multi-cultured communities living and working in the UAE that contribute to its economic and social fabric. To cite one example of our effort to ensure social cohesion, the Constitution affirms freedom to exercise religious worship in Article 32. The government has facilitated the establishment of places of worship for various religions and sects, granting free land to build houses of worship for many faiths. Today, in the UAE, there are a total of 59 churches, two Hindu temples, and one Sikh temple. We are an Islamic country with traditional values and we fully respect the rights and liberties of others to practice their faiths, as we hope our faith and values are also respected by those who choose to reside in our country.
We acknowledge that we face many challenges ahead, but we will continue to work harder, to improve on what we have achieved thus far. We reiterate that by its inherent and fluid nature, this will continue to be a work in progress, but we are fully committed to addressing labour issues.
Mr. Chairman, Another closely related issue is that of human trafficking, a crime that the UAE takes extremely seriously. In order to institutionalise the fight against human trafficking and protect its victims, especially women, the government enacted Federal Law 51 in 2006. The law takes into account the existing federal laws on entry and residency of foreigners, labour, camel races and criminal procedures, as well as the penal code. It calls for strong punitive measures, including maximum penalties of life imprisonment and covers all forms of human trafficking - not just overt enslavement but also sexual exploitation, child labour, and commerce in human organs.
Further, a Cabinet order established the UAE National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking in 2007 to give teeth to Federal Law 51 and create a coordinating body for anti-human trafficking efforts at all levels in the member emirates of the federation. The government also worked with UNICEF, source country embassies, and NGOs to identify, rescue, rehabilitate, and repatriate children who worked as camel jockeys in the past.
Moreover, while the UAE has ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, the government is committed to ratifying the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.
In addition, as part of its effort to tackle this crime globally and take a lead in this fight, the UAE contributed US$15 million to support the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Trafficking. This included sponsoring the UN Conference on Trafficking in Persons in Vienna in February 2008 and actively supporting the United Nation's thematic debate on trafficking in New York in June 2008.
The UAE endeavours to improve training for law enforcement officers in order to sensitize them to human trafficking, especially in the areas of identifying and interviewing victims, and understanding the transnational nature of this crime.
The government is also committed to a national media campaign to enhance public awareness about the crime of human trafficking, deter criminals and highlight the existence of helplines and shelters for victims.
The UAE is acting on every front of its four-pillar strategy: legislation, enforcement, victim support, bilateral agreements and international cooperation. It will continue to demonstrate resolve, and acknowledge where it still needs to improve. Simultaneously, the UAE will continue to cooperate with all appropriate regional and international law enforcement officials to stem this crime.
The 2007 annual reports on labour and human trafficking issues, which are attached to the National Report, illustrate the efforts made by the government for the protection, benefit and well-being of the foreign workforce in the UAE.
Closing remarks Mr. Chairman, The UAE believes that educating the people about human rights concepts is a key part of our enforcement strategy. To this end, the UAE is planning a human rights education syllabus for students of Grades 1-12. Colleges of law and police are required to offer human rights courses; and a federal institute for judicial training and studies has been established.
The UAE is also committed to organising workshops, in cooperation with specialised international organisations, focusing on spreading human rights principles in line with the international conventions ratified by the state.
The UAE is now in the process of studying the establishment of a national human rights commission in the country, in line with the Paris Principles. The government is also looking forward to enhancing cooperation with the Human Rights Council.
Respect for human rights and basic liberties are a key component of the Federation's ethos and principles. The UAE has made significant gains in a short period of time, but realises that much more needs to be done to combat the challenges we face. The country is committed to serving as an active member of the international community, as well as a model for change in the region and takes its future responsibilities and commitments seriously.
Two days ago, we celebrated our 37th anniversary as a nation. We are a young country but one that is proud of the progress we have made in the field of human rights and we are resolute in our intention to build on this accumulation of good work.
We will continue to uphold the values that have made the UAE an attractive and successful society which are based on respect for the rights and security of individuals, tolerance and justice.
My delegation and I look forward to your questions and hope to respond satisfactorily. At the same time, we are also open to your suggestions and recommendations. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
RELATED ARTICLES
National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking meets - 21 August 2010
EU diplomats visit Abu Dhabi Shelter Centre for victims of human trafficking - 24 June 2010
UAE is keen in bolstering cooperation with EU in fighting human trafficking crime - 22 June 2010
UAE Representative addresses Human Rights Council - 20 June 2010
UAE highlights anti-trafficking efforts - 17 June 2010
RETURN TO MAIN NEWS PAGE | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
| |
Home
