UAE reiterates pledge to provide decent jobs for all

New York: The UAE has reiterated at the United Nations in New York its commitment to provide productive and decent work for all, including women and youth as per objectives of development policies and strategies outlined by the world leaders at the global summit held here in 2005.

Speaking at the 46th session of the commission for social development and the 24th special session of the general assembly, UAE Minister of Social Affairs Mariam Mohammad Khalfan Al Roumi said "the challenge we now face is how to fulfil this commitment, which is essential for stabilising the society, securing the future of next generations and achieving sustainable development".

She noted that Article 20 of the UAE Constitution emphasises the right to work and considers it to be the cornerstone of society's development. It also affirms the society's responsibility for ensuring opportunities and protecting the rights of all.

High priority

Mariam said the government, therefore, has given a high priority to the development of the human being in its national development plans and, for that purpose, it has adopted and implemented advanced policies and legislations in order to address the requirements of full employment for its citizens and to protect the rights of temporary employment.

She said the UAE Government has also developed economic and social policies that go hand-in-hand with its efforts towards promoting decent work, which included the elimination of all forms of discrimination, the safeguarding of equal opportunities and rights to all, the continuing provision of new jobs, the improvement of career choices, the strengthening of social care programmes, and the promotion of effective participation and social dialogue.

The minister added that the UAE has also ratified the international conventions concerning work hours, compulsory work, work inspection, night shifts for women, equality of remuneration, abolition of forced and compulsory labour, elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

"Among the social protection programmes established by the ministry of social affairs is the social security system, which provides monthly financial subsidies to families and individuals in accordance with the social security law," she said.