UAE marks 44th National Day; Reports on Progress

The UAE endorses the principles of human rights through laws that are in harmony with its constitution and the right of individuals to live in a safe and stable environment free from any fear or oppression. The UAE places strong emphasis on advocating human rights principles in sustainable social development efforts by promoting a culture of respect for human rights, leading to best practices that can further elevate the country’s position regionally and globally.

The UAE issued a new law in July 2015 to criminalise all forms of discrimination based on religion, caste, creed, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin, as well as criminalising actions that incite religious hatred. The purpose of the Anti-discriminatory Law is to provide a strong foundation of tolerance and openness for the social fabric of the UAE. It also aims to protect people, regardless of their origin or beliefs, from any acts or practices related to religious hatred or intolerance.

In 2015, the UAE won membership of the Human Rights Council for a second three-year term, from January 2016 until the end of 2018. This clearly demonstrates the country’s effective contribution to the council and reflects its positive track record in the important area of human rights.

The UAE was ranked 40th globally in the 2014 UN Human Development Index and 43rd globally for gender equality in 2013. In addition, the country also placed 20th globally in the 2015 World Happiness Report.

Emirati women have received unconditional support and encouragement from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who has said, “Nothing pleases me more than seeing Emirati women assuming their role in society and achieving their rightful position. Nothing should hinder the march of women’s progress. Like men, women have the right to assume the highest positions according to their abilities and qualifications.”

The UAE has greatly reinforced the role of women in the past few years, which in turn has advanced the position of the country’s women in the Arab world. Thanks to the support of the UAE leadership, Emirati women now play key roles in political, economic, service, social and environmental sectors.

On March 8th, 2015, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, launched the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women in the UAE from 2015-2021. The strategy provides a general framework and reference for all local and federal government bodies, private entities, and civil society organisations to devise plans and initiatives that elevate and empower women and facilitate their potential to contribute productively.

On August 28th, 2015, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the General Women’s Union’s establishment, the UAE celebrated its first Emirati Women Day to recognise Emirati women and emphasise their pivotal roles and achievements. The UAE Constitution states that women enjoy equal rights with their male counterparts. It also includes articles that underpin social equality and the right of women to receive education and employment on the same basis as men.

The 2015 Federal National Council (FNC) elections saw a large turnout of candidates. Out of the 341 eligable candidates, 76, or 22%, were women.