Number of human rights cases rises

Dubai Police's Human Rights Care Department has recorded 1,246 human rights cases submitted by members of the general public, police personnel, and prisoners during the year 2001, said a senior official from Dubai Police.

Maj. Dr Mohammed Mur Al Mur, Director of the Department, said: "In comparison with the year 2000, the total number of cases during the year 2001 has obviously increased. The total number of cases recorded reached some 1,246, comprising 224 general complaints, 322 requests seeking human services, and 700 requests seeking social services."

Maj. Dr Al Mur said the 224 general complaints were mostly submitted by the general public, followed by policemen, public and private sector employees, and prisoners.

He said most of the complaints were labour disputes, in addition to complaints relating to arbitrary actions, financial disputes, rental and insurance problems, aid requests, and others. "We look at each complaint and try to investigate it from a human rights angle and solve it if possible, as part of our duties as guardians of human rights."

A total of 322 requests seeking humanitarian services were submitted to the Department's Human Service Section, most of which were made by those working in the police force. Most were requests for financial aid.

Requests made by prisoners included requests for exemption from punishment or diya payment or deportation. According to Maj. Dr. Al Mur, the majority of requests seeking humanitarian services were made by Arabs, followed by Asians.

"On the other hand, the Social Service Section at the department recorded some 700 cases involving social help, including marriage disputes, family problems, dealing with drugs and alcohol, physical assault, adultery, and financial problems.

Maj. Dr. Al Mur pointed out: "Bur Dubai police station recorded the highest rate of social problems among other stations in the emirate."

Bur Dubai police station recorded 176 such cases: Al Qusais station recorded 111; Al Muraqqabat station, 106; Al Rashidiya station, 88; Al Rifa'a, 84; the general department, 82; and Naif station,44.

The police stations of Nad Al Sheba, ports, Jebel Ali and Hatta, have not recorded any such cases during last year, added Maj. Dr Al Mur.