UAE to demonstrate to the United Nations progress made on human rights commitments

Abu Dhabi, Jan 27, 2013 (WAM) - On 28 January 2013, the UAE will make a formal presentation about the country's human rights record at the UN Human Rights Council, the top United Nations rights organisation, based in Geneva. The presentation is part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, in which, once every four years, all 193 UN-member nations submit an account of how they address human rights to the Human Rights Council. This is the second such review for the UAE. The UAE delegation will be led by Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and it will include representatives from several relevant government agencies. A report detailing the significant and concrete steps the UAE has taken to uphold the principles and standards of human rights over the last four years was submitted to the Human Rights Council in October 2012. It includes information on how the UAE has responded to the recommendations made by the Human Rights Council at the last review. It also examines a range of remaining challenges, including issues related to contract workers and human trafficking. The report was developed by the government in consultation with a host of civil society actors and organisations. During the session, all UN member nations can ask questions regarding the protection of human rights in the UAE and suggest ways to improve it. An assessment, with recommendations, is then presented to the Council. Discussing the report in the run-up to the review, Dr Gargash said the UAE welcomes constructive suggestions from fellow UN member nations and that it is in this positive spirit that the UAE will present its report at tomorrow's hearing in Geneva. "I welcome this opportunity for dialogue on these important issues as well as the chance to show what strong and concerted action the UAE has taken to promote human rights", said Dr Gargash. "The UAE recognises the need to continue making progress and therefore looks forward to hearing the recommendations of the Human Rights Council." In December 2008, the Human Rights Council undertook the first Universal Periodic Review of the United Arab Emirates and adopted the first four-yearly report card on its human rights record. The UAE government accepted 36 recommendations stemming from the 2008 review, including measures aimed at enacting legislation to protect the rights of children, women and workers. In addition, the UAE made nine voluntary pledges of its own. The Human Rights Council's review is held in Geneva from 21 January to 1 February. In addition to the UAE, a group of 13 other states are scheduled to engage in discussion on the development of human rights issues in their countries in the current session, including countries as diverse as France, Mali and Tonga. To read the UAE's report, or learn more about the process, please visit: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/Pages/AESession15.aspx http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12929'&'LangID=E http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/Pages/UPRMain.aspx. - Emirates News Agency, WAM