U.A.E. reiterates stand against racial discrimination, religious intolerance and extremism

GENVEVA: U.A.E. on Tuesday affirmed that it shared the concern of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights over racial discrimination, religious intolerance and extremism, and commended Ms. Navi Pillay for the progress she made, during her term, in the sphere of human rights. Such challenges should not detract attention from progress made in certain areas under the leadership of Ms. Pillay, said Obaid Salim Al Zaabi, U.A.E. Permanent Representative to United Nations in Geneva, in his speech at the debate that followed the opening of Human Rights Council's 26th regular session. The U.A.E. representative also commended Ms. Pillay's initiative to provide technical assistance and capacity building following requests made by certain countries. He also drew the attention of the UN's major human rights body to the achievements of Bahrain in recent years, and called for continued cooperation in a climate of constructive dialogue. Mr. Al Zaabi also noted that U.A.E. shares Human Rights Commissioner's concern over the systematic violations against the Palestinian people and the continued demolitions and evictions of Palestinians. Ms. Pillay, whose term ends on 31st August, said in her statement that the increasing requests from the Security Council for information and advice on human rights issues were most welcome and demonstrated heightened recognition that human rights were fundamental to peace, security and development, and testified to the stature that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had developed. "Human rights violations are among the root causes of every type of instability and conflict, which means that every State has an interest in detecting gaps in its human rights protection," Ms. Pillay added. – Emirates News Agency, WAM