UAE | Crime
Illiterate people are more likely to commit violent crimes, says study
New research points towards the need for parents to enroll children for primary education.
- By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:41 November 15, 2008
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
- Major Eman Mohammad Ali Al Jaberi.
Abu Dhabi: Illiterate people are more likely to commit violent crimes such as homicide, sexual assaults, arson and robbery, a new study has found.
The study, conducted by the Centre for Research and Studies at Abu Dhabi police, established a clear link between illiteracy and criminal behaviour, saying that the rate of such crimes are nearly double among the illiterate population.
Titled "Compulsory education in the UAE from a legal and security perspective", the study sheds light on the absence of a clear definition of the term "compulsory education" and the absence of punitive measures to ensure compliance to the federal law related to it.
Major Dr Eman Mohammad Ali Al Jaberi, who prepared the study, stressed the need for commitment to Federal law (No. 11) of 1972 that stipulates compulsory education, explaining the socio-economic and psychological dimensions of education.
"Higher the educational level, lower the crime rate as per the statistics", she said, calling for setting parameters to make it binding for parents to enrol their children for primary education.
"Legal gaps need to be addressed to prevent delinquency and stiff punishments or fines must be imposed on those neglecting education of their children", she said.
Instead of violent crimes, literate people turn to "proficient malicious acts", the study reveals.
It further notes that the responsibility of the police does not end at bringing culprits to justice, but authorities also need to find ways to reform criminals, to prevent them from committing crime and strive to educate convicted persons.
Meanwhile, an official from the Ministry of Education (MOE) reiterated the ministry's commitment to eradicate illiteracy and address issues related to school drop-out rates.
Speaking to Gulf News, Aisha Ganem Khalfan, director of Assessment and Examinations Department at the MOE, said: "The ministry is keen to eradicate illiteracy among all residents and considers education as a fundamental tool to maintain national security and stability."
The steps taken by the ministry include issuance of a law in 2002, making education compulsory until the ninth grade, Aisha said. "Also, no certificates will be issued before the completion of primary education," she added.
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Last minute ID rush is on
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Car seats for children: Unsafe at any speed
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
