UN special rapporteur emphasises UAE’s commitment to gender equality

Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, recently highlighted that the UAE’s commitment to gender equality puts the country in an ideal position to address outstanding challenges in preventing violence.

In her end of mission statement, she noted significant reforms made by the UAE to enhance protections accessible to women and girls in the country against different forms of discrimination, violence and abuse.

UAE’s strong focus on gender equality

The Emirati leadership has been proliferating the message that full participation of women and girls in society is a national priority that demands an all-society approach. This policy priority has been strongly integrated into all aspects of daily life in the UAE.

It is estimated that 89% of the population of the UAE is comprised of expatriates who belong to more than 200 nationalities. The UN Special Rapporteur urged authorities to outreach to people at particular risk of abuse and violence.

She also called on authorities in the UAE to standardise and professionalise referral mechanisms, protection and assistance programmes for all victims of abuse and violence, including non-Emiratis.

UN Special Rapporteur to present full report on UAE soon

During her recent ten-day trip to the UAE, UN special rapporteur Reem Alsalem travelled to different cities across the country and met government representatives, representatives from international organisations, academics and private businesses.

In June next year, she is expected to present a full report on her findings to the UN Human Rights Council. Nonetheless, despite significant progress made, UAE authorities did not underplay the challenges they continue to face in ensuring improvements.