UAE | Government

Dubai authority and UNDP to hold workshop

Government employees to attend as emirate observes International Day for Human Rights

  • Staff Report
  • Published: 23:39 December 10, 2008
  • Gulf News

Dubai: Organisations in Dubai observed International Human Rights day, which is celebrated on December 10 every year.

In line with the UAE's directives and policies regarding human rights, the chief executive of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, Afra Al Basti, is participating in the country's delegation set to present the UAE report to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

The UAE report focuses on the labour force, women and educational issues. It also includes an update on trafficking and violence against women.

Al Basti said: "It is our duty to continue to protect women and children by fighting for basic human rights. In collaborating with the United Nations and other national and international organisations it is critical to institute protocols and procedures that make these inalienable rights a reality."

Dubai government employees will be attending a human rights workshop organised by the Community Development Authority (CDA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The session will be held on December 16 and 17 and is aimed at enhancing awareness of human rights among the CDA's staff and Dubai government employees.

The government bodies expected to participate in the workshops are the human rights department of Dubai police, the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, and the Emirates Human Rights Association.

Protocols

Dr. Mariam Mattar, director-general of the CDA, said: "This type of interaction plays a great role in setting the protocols and practices related to human rights for concerned parties. Throughout the two-day sessions, CDA is looking to set practical implementation methods for the international human rights concepts and global best practices within Dubai."

Mariam and Dr Khalid Alloush, the UN resident representative will open the workshop.

HISTORY OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was the first statement on the basic principles of human rights to be made in 1948. This year marks its 60th anniversary.

THE UDHR represents a contract between governments and their people around the world. It continues to affirm human dignity and worthiness of every person without any distinction.

According to the United Nations, "The declaration and its core values, including non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality, apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The UDHR belongs to all of us. More than ever, in a world threatened by racial, economic and religious divides, we must defend and proclaim the universal principles - first enshrined in the UDHR - of justice, fairness and equality that people across all boundaries hold so deeply".

December 10 is marked as Human Rights Day, and is celebrated around the world annually.

- United Nations

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