• Home
• /
• Opinion

UAE is showing the way in protecting human rights

The UAE's Constitution outlines freedom and rights of all citizens.

 There is no room for ambiguity as far as the UAE's laws on human rights are concerned. The country is committed to the protection of such rights and has left no stone unturned in formulating laws and implementing them well. Basing its external and internal policies on the principles of justice, equality, and human rights, the country is in support of the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The UAE's Human Rights Committee keeps abreast of bilateral and international conventions relating to human rights and works to raise awareness, thus facilitating the dissemination of a human rights culture.
Unfortunately, reports on human rights have been found to be governed by various agendas, and in some cases have been politicised. The subject of human rights can be interpreted in various ways depending on the geographical area, the political structure, ideology and value systems. This could make the evaluation of human rights different in different areas.
In the case of the UAE, the advancement the nation has made in recognising the rights of its residents is unparalleled. The nation is on a continual improvement process of its own laws and practices, in line with the country's cultural heritage and religious values, which enshrine justice, equality and tolerance
The UAE's Constitution outlines freedom and rights of all citizens. The country has furthered this by competing globally to create an environment that beckons the best human resources from the world over.
Such an enviable state of affairs has been achieved through the concerted efforts of its leaders coupled with evolving legislations, the aim being to create an attractive environment for its work force. The country's policy for the recruitment of foreign workers ensures that 'contracts are unambiguous', with legislative instruments protecting the rights of workers. The employment contracts and attestation of such contracts are closely monitored by competent bodies, while policies are in place to ensure each person is paid his or her wages regularly
The country has in place the best safeguards to shield the weaker segments of society such as domestic workers and labourers. The rules of the country state that accommodation be provided to the work force. And it does not end there. Officials visit workers' accommodations from time to time to ensure that the facilities provided comply with international standards.
The Child Protection Department provides social and psychological support to children, including those who have been subjected to various types of abuse, while human trafficking units established within police command departments provide urgent care and support services to victims, in line with international human rights standards.
Significant investments have been made in education, healthcare, housing and sustainable economic development.
An appealing factor of the UAE laws is that they are applied firmly without prejudice on Emiratis and expatriates alike. Nepotism does not exist here, there is complete transparency at every level with judicial and executive bodies clear about the functioning of the nation. This, of course, lends credibility with residents sure of receiving fair treatment.
Tolerance being an intrinsic part of the country's culture, is observed at all levels - individual, organisational and national. The fact that more than 200 nationalities live peacefully and successfully in the UAE is an undisputed example of being a tolerant and inclusive country.
 The country, not known to rest on its laurels, is still aiming to achieve greater heights when it comes to the safety and security of its residents. The happiness programmes initiated by the government are unique, setting this nation apart as an example for other nations to follow, which by no means is an easy task.
malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com