The UAE: a global model in advocating lofty human values
Since the dawn of humanity, the necessity of having legislative, executive and judicial systems has emerged, and belief in the need for them has settled in the conscience of the majority, whether in its primitive form or as it is today in the state of law. There are various considerations that make these systems a basic human need, perhaps the most prominent of which is ensuring his rights and duties towards others in accordance with the interest of all.
The truth is that the standards and needs of society as a whole do not necessarily coincide with what each individual actually or customary satisfies, hence the concept of crime and reform. Is it plausible that the enjoyment of one’s basic rights would be a derogation from the rights of another?
Man is a social being by nature, and he is not able to live in isolation from others except in the narrowest of limits. Each of us meets the needs of the other in some way, whether on the psychological or material levels.
That is why the concept of societies was built on the principles of human preservation and respect for his brother, and the concept of the state was built on human rights, while the international community sanctifies his dignity. In our homeland, the UAE, the wise leadership of the state has attached great importance to the human being since its establishment by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul.
From this point of view, harming a person is considered an insult to society. We are today in the age of urbanization, the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in which demands for the rights of robots are increasing, so how about the human being whom God honored in his heavenly books?
There is room for everyone to have their freedom and have their needs met, and therefore there is no sense in recognizing the language of violence. Abuse in its forms is not a language of dialogue, a means of benefit, or a path to progress, because in the long run it robs society of its value and its true essence, which is the synergy between human beings and each other. Since childhood, we have been in our Islamic culture with calls that refute mistreatment, because the source of harm is the most severely hurt, sooner or later.
On this basis, the efforts of the UAE come at all levels, legislative, executive and judicial, to impose a commitment to respect the status of society and preserve its true essence, in a manner that guarantees a process of communication and ethical and constructive means of use.
And because every individual has a pivotal role in his society, we in the UAE always strive to integrate all groups into society. With regard to people of determination, for example, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, launched the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination 2020-2024, led by the Department of Community Development.
These efforts come from a belief in the role of people of determination and the importance of fulfilling their duties and rights. Since this group may be more vulnerable to psychological or physical violence than others globally, due to the lack of awareness of the nature of each case and its true potential. Social integration and independence is an essential step to move forward in the transformation towards an inclusive society, and to create an environment that provides equal access for people of determination to rights, services and opportunities at all stages of life.
As for the child, he established the Wadima bill to find optimal protection systems for the child until he becomes an adult capable of self-reliance, in line with international conventions. Through this law, the child enjoys all his rights, and the law criminalizes various types of violence against the child, keeping pace with the challenges of the times.
With regard to Emirati women, the state has become a role model in empowering women in general, as they have occupied 9 ministerial seats, with their ministerial representation in the state government reaching 27.5%, which is one of the highest global rates. Academically, women make up about 70% of university graduates in the UAE.
Recently, a law was issued to establish the National Human Rights Commission, which is a new addition to the humanitarian work process in the country and a new edifice that enhances its position as a model of a tolerant society in which dignity and justice are preserved.
All vulnerable groups are capable of giving and giving like others, and cases that have suffered from violence in the past have a lot to offer once they move beyond their past, with care, rehabilitation and empowerment. With the right solutions in place, they can be inspiring and ambassadors for human rights. In the Emirates, the land of tolerance and benevolence, the mechanisms of human advancement are constantly evolving.
Sarah Ibrahim Shehel*
*Director General of the Abu Dhabi Center for Shelter and Humanitarian Care – Ewaa
.
