UN Special Rapporteur praises UAE's commitment to gender equality

Reem Alsalem, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, has praised the United Arab Emirates for its strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Speaking at the conclusion of her official visit to the UAE, Alsalem highlighted the country's ongoing efforts to ensure gender balance and equality, emphasizing the leadership, government, and citizens' full support for these priorities.

Alsalem noted that the UAE has made significant strides in promoting women's active participation in all sectors of society. From policies to programs designed to empower women and protect girls from violence, the UAE has built a solid foundation for advancing women's rights.

Alsalem, who is on her sixth visit to examine policies related to women’s rights, remarked that her time in the UAE was one of the most organized and cooperative visits she has had as the Special Rapporteur.

During a press conference in Abu Dhabi, Alsalem expressed her gratitude to the UAE government for its invitation and cooperation, saying that the visit had been one of the best of her career.

She also praised the UAE for its high rankings in global gender equality indices, with the country placing 7th worldwide and 1st regionally in the United Nations Gender Equality Index for 2024. Additionally, the UAE received a stellar score of 82.5 out of 100 from the World Bank in 2023 for its efforts to ensure women’s rights.

Alsalem highlighted the UAE’s constitutional guarantee of equality for all citizens, underscoring the country’s commitment to social justice and equal opportunities. She also noted the UAE's many initiatives that promote gender balance, strengthen family values, and address gender-based violence. Among the country’s most notable achievements are the efforts to enhance women's political representation, such as increasing women's presence in the Federal National Council to 50%, and the establishment of the UAE Gender Balance Council.

The Special Rapporteur emphasized the positive legal framework for children's rights in the UAE, citing the "Federal Law on Child Rights (Wadeema)," which protects children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. She commended the role of institutions such as the General Women's Union and the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, which have been instrumental in raising awareness and supporting women and girls.

Alsalem further praised the UAE’s dedication to supporting United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

She highlighted the launch of the 'Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Women, Peace, and Security Initiative' in 2019 as a key part of the UAE’s efforts to advance the global Women, Peace, and Security agenda.

Alsalem reaffirmed her confidence that the UAE is on the right path toward continued progress in gender equality, and expressed optimism that the country’s efforts could serve as a model for others in the region and beyond.