A/HRC/23/13 79. Nicaragua highlighted the work of the United Arab Emirates since its last review, including the revision of its regulatory framework and the development of policies to strengthen the human rights system, particularly the rights of vulnerable groups. It encouraged the country to ratify new international instruments. It made a recommendation. 80. Norway expressed concern at the deterioration in freedom of expression and at reports of arbitrary detentions and arrests. It welcomed steps to improve the conditions of migrant workers, the forthcoming establishment of a human rights institution and the amendments to the law on citizenship. Norway made recommendations. 81. Oman noted that the United Arab Emirates was forging ahead with comprehensive developments to guarantee the fundamental rights of its individuals through political commitment and a package of legislations on rights such as health, education, security, non-discrimination and equality, and freedom of opinion and belief. 82. Pakistan appreciated the Government’s efforts in honouring its voluntary pledges through accession to CAT and CRPD. It took note of the adoption of a manual on general standards for shared housing for workers, as well as the care for children of unknown parentage. It made recommendations. 83. The head of the United Arab Emirates delegation responded to various comments, including on labour issues, noting that improvements had been made in the labour conditions but that this was an area that would need continuous improvement in the United Arab Emirates. He welcomed comments from delegates from major labour-exporting countries who had highlighted their good cooperation with the United Arab Emirates on labour issues. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the increased transparency that had been brought about by the UPR process, and the capacity-building that had been undertaken in relation to the UPR. Human rights had also increasingly become part of the training of the police, and now had departments responsible for it in the Ministry of Interior, and other Government Ministries. Regarding cooperation with United Nations mechanisms, the United Arab Emirates confirmed that it welcomed visits by Special Rapporteurs and looked forward to further constructive engagement. 84. On the issue of a group recently detained in the United Arab Emirates, the delegation explained that the country had to deal with the challenge of extremist organizations, which did not share the United Arab Emirates’ progressive vision of society, including the empowerment of women and pursuing religious tolerance. The United Arab Emirates would not abandon its progressive agenda because of different views held by a small minority. However, the issue would be addressed in accordance with due process and in line with the United Arab Emirates’ legal framework, and the cases concerned had now been sent to Court. 85. On human trafficking, the delegation noted that a campaign had been launched after the adoption of Law No. 51 (2006). A National Commission and a national strategy to combat human trafficking had been put in place. The Commission had been working on legislation to implement Law No. 51. Measures taken included training and awarenessraising activities, the adoption of punitive and deterrent measures, and programmes to protect and rehabilitate victims. The National Commission also pursued bilateral cooperation with countries concerned, as well as the development of a regional Arab initiative together with the Arab League. 86. The State of Palestine valued the efforts made by the United Arab Emirates in areas such as women rights, combatting racial discrimination, and the right to education. It welcomed the United Arab Emirates’ accession to the Palermo Protocol and its establishment of ministerial departments for human rights. It paid tribute to efforts in combatting trafficking of persons. It made recommendations. 11