The Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR) has lauded the UAE’s remarkable strides in human rights, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These advancements span key areas such as health, education, social protection, cultural and religious rights, justice, and combating discrimination.
Marking Human Rights Day, celebrated annually on December 10, UAHR underscored the UAE’s commitment to enacting robust laws and policies. Recent measures include bolstering women’s empowerment, children’s rights, labour rights, and protections for the elderly, embodying the rule of law and fostering societal equity.
The theme for this year, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” emphasizes the critical role of human rights in shaping sustainable and inclusive societies. Over the past five years, the UAE has implemented 55 laws addressing domestic violence, anti-discrimination, human trafficking, labour relations, and personal data protection. Initiatives also extend to regulating worship spaces for non-Muslims and safeguarding vulnerable groups.
Complementing legislative efforts, nearly 40 national strategies have been launched, including the National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women (2023–2031), the UAE Gender Balance Council Strategy, and the National Food Security Strategy.
On a global scale, the UAE has gained recognition, ranking seventh globally and first regionally in the 2024 Gender Inequality Index by the UN Development Programme. It also leads globally in the Lack of Labour Disputes Index, per the Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook.
Furthering its global commitments, the UAE has ratified the Convention Against Torture and nine key International Labour Organisation conventions, reinforcing its dedication to justice and equality on both domestic and international fronts.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
