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- Dubai 04:31 05:49 12:21 15:48 18:47 20:05
Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, right, at the launch of the report. (WAM)
A government-backed report on the state of human rights in the UAE was launched yesterday by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash.
The 10,700-word "UAE National Report" was drawn up by a committee comprising representatives from the government and human rights organisations in the Emirates.
It will now be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council ahead of a discussion next month. The UN Human Rights Council uses such reports to review human rights issues in all nations and territories, including the UAE.
During a launch event yesterday, Dr Gargash said a draft version of the report was sent to government bodies, grass-roots societies and organisations and the Federal National Council for comment. The opinions of senior public personalities were also taken into account when compiling the final report, he said.
The report is composed according to frameworks set by the UN Human Rights Council.
It presents a comprehensive and panoramic view on human rights. The UAE Cabinet looked into the report, which was also displayed on the website of the Ministry of State For Federal National Council Affairs Affairs.
Gargash said a delegation comprising representatives from the government and civil society institutions will participate in a discussion of the report to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, where there will be written questions raised by other states on the report.
Independent reports issued by the UN on the UAE will also be discussed during the meeting.
Three states, chosen by a draw, will lead the discussion of the UAE report. They are Indonesia, Cameron and Argentina.
Dr Gargash said the report was considered a "sincere and comprehensive document" reflecting the situation of human rights. It also represented the official point of view.
He said he expected some criticism during the presentation of the report in Switzerland, relating to the UAE's growing labour force of expatriate workers and personal rights. But he confirmed the UAE's position was strong.
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