The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is undertaking a comprehensive review of its national report submitted to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). This report details the country's efforts to uphold the principles enshrined within the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, a key international human rights treaty.
The UAE's commitment to tackling racial discrimination is reflected in its legal framework. The country's constitution guarantees equality and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. However, concerns have been raised regarding the practical implementation of these legal protections, particularly for migrant workers who constitute a significant portion of the UAE's population.
The review process is expected to involve consultations with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and migrant worker communities. This will allow for a thorough examination of the UAE's progress in combating racial discrimination and the identification of areas requiring further action.
One of the key aspects under scrutiny is the application of labor laws. While the UAE has implemented reforms aimed at improving working conditions for migrant workers, reports of exploitation and discrimination persist. The review will assess the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for addressing these issues and explore potential avenues for improvement.
Another area of focus will be the access to justice for victims of racial discrimination. The review will evaluate the accessibility and effectiveness of legal channels for reporting and seeking redress for discriminatory practices. This includes ensuring migrant workers are aware of their rights and have the necessary support to navigate the legal system.
The UAE's commitment to this review process signifies a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue on the issue of racial discrimination. The findings of the review are expected to provide valuable insights into the country's progress in upholding its obligations under the CERD. This, in turn, will inform the development of targeted strategies to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination within the UAE.