On Human rights day Emirates first among Arab countries and 95 womens participation in higher education

UAE was ranked first among Arab countries, and (14th) globally with a percentage of (71.15%) in the index of fundamental rights, launched by the “Global Network for Rights and Development” in October 2013, which is the international benchmark for fundamental rights, which includes (21) human rights, including the assessment of human rights and respect for these rights throughout its territory geographically and outside its borders and in its dealings with citizens and non-citizens.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. “Anwar Mohammed Gargash”, said in his speech recently before the (15) session of  the universal periodic review mechanism of the human rights of the “Human Rights Council” at the “United Nations”, that the UAE attaches great importance to the universal periodic review process as a mechanism adopted by the “United Nations” for the constructive review of the performance of all States in the area of human rights, and to promote human rights throughout the world in an interactive dialogue to exchange views, experiences and best practices for the promotion and protection of human rights. Through improving education and health-care systems and focusing on community development and the development of government services so as to enhance the prestige of the State, and the elaboration of principles to ensure a favorable environment for mothers and children and ensure their right to survival, development, health and education.

The UAE recognized the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights" with its (30) articles, and always refers to it in all human rights reports, as well as most of the articles provided are listed in the State's Constitution and laws. The UAE has also ratified several international conventions on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination, and they formed a Standing Committee for follow-up to the report of the International Bill of Human Rights.

The General Assembly of the “United Nations” declared in 1950, the (10th) of December, “Human Rights Day”, in order to call the world’s attention to the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations. This year marks the (20th) anniversary of the establishment of the mandate of the “High Commissioner for Human Rights” established for the promotion and protection of all human rights.

The State has developed a coherent system of national policies and strategies that seek to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms with the “Vision 2021” on top, and to implement this vision "UAE Government strategy 2011-2013” was adopted, the strategy focuses on the core areas of work and performance of the Government and put first in its priorities providing the finest levels of prosperity and a decent life for citizens, through better education, health care and a focus on community development and the development of government services so as to enhance the standing of the State.

With regard to gender equality, the State has paid attention to the empowerment of women and ensured their proper status in society. With the participation of women in higher education reaching (95%) for female students with (80%) of male students, from high school graduates. Women represent (70%) of college graduates in the State.

UAE confirms the importance of strengthening the institutional frameworks that would promote and protect human rights, and in this regard was the establishment of several government departments and agencies at the Federal, State and local levels, the “Federal National Council” also established a Standing Committee on human rights to study the legislation in accordance with international and constitutional perspective on human rights, as well as communication and consultation with civil society organizations.