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.
