UAE upholds human dignity

The UAE winning a seat in the UN Human Rights Council has strong implications; the most important being the validation of its good human rights record. This also disproves the report issued a few weeks earlier by the European Parliament, which cast doubts on the UAE’s record. Clearly, the report was not based on facts.

It also proves that the European report was based on the opinions of parliament members given inaccurate information by unreliable sources. There are different opinions and non-stop debates on the concept of human rights and its consequences, some based on theoretical and Utopian philosophies that do not result in satisfactory outcomes upon implementation.

For example, a liberal’s view is one that advocates absolute political and social liberalism in communities, regardless of tradition and culture. This includes highlighting the qualities of every society and defining it from others. Experiences have proven that granting unlimited social and political freedom affects societies that have cultural heritage and social traditions, such as Muslim and Arab communities.

In fact, such freedoms do not yield any positive outcomes, but only result in controversies. These debates sometimes result in heated rhetoric and clashes leading to the blocking of developmental projects and other grave consequences. However, these negative consequences do not necessarily mean that people have to halt their quest for freedom. Liberty is an indispensable element for any individual, who strives to achieve lofty aspirations within the framework of a social and economic system that ensures a decent life.

In the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, particularly the UAE, absolute political and social freedom is not desperately needed. Let us set aside the strange calls that do not match the ambitions and aspirations of rational Emirati citizens. The UAE is determined to press ahead towards achieving social justice and security, and protecting the country from all forms of evil and social diseases.

Good living standards

The UAE enjoys high quality of education, health care, and social security. Moreover, people residing here live in an environment that is safe. It is also a country that has good urban planning and infrastructure, provides housing for citizens, and has laws that safeguard the rights and duties of its residents. All Emirati citizens and expatriates living on the UAE’s land enjoy their rights as well as several privileges.

The question arises here: What is the use of having meaningless social and political freedoms if cannot have a decent standard of living?

This does not necessarily mean food for freedom. When a country provides basic necessities, which constitute the main requirements for a good life that we previously spoke about, then we can say that an individual’s obligation towards a country and its society has been mostly fulfilled.

In my opinion, the UN Human Rights Council has accepted the UAE’s membership after it took all issues into consideration and is satisfied with the fact that the UAE safeguards human rights, and that everyone who lives in the country is safe and secure and their rights are protected.

The majority vote of 184 countries for granting the UAE a seat in the council is concrete proof and a testament to the UAE’s rights record. This cannot be denied.

Abdul Gaffar Hussain is the Chairman of the Emirates Human Rights Association.