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includes a pilot project aimed at studying the difficulties faced by workers from the point of job
recruitment in their countries until they return home after employment in the country. The unique
challenge of demographics remains a key issue in terms not only of national identity but also of
national security. National policies must always take this into account.
21.
The Constitution affirms freedom to exercise religious worship in article 32. The
Government has facilitated, in an effort to ensure social cohesion, the establishment of places of
worship for various religions and sects, granting free land to build and houses of worship for
many faiths. Today, there are 59 churches, two Hindu temples and one Sikh temple in the
country.
22.
In order to institutionalize the fight against human trafficking and protect its victims,
especially women, in 2006 the Government enacted Federal Law 51, which calls for strong
punitive measures, including maximum penalties of life imprisonment and covers all forms of
human trafficking. While the country has ratified the Convention against Transnational
Organized Crime, the Government is committed to ratifying the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress
and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.
23.
A Cabinet order established the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking in
2007 to give teeth to Federal Law 51 and create a coordinating body for anti-human trafficking
efforts at all levels in member emirates. The Government has also worked with UNICEF, source
country embassies and non-governmental organizations to identify, rescue, rehabilitate and
repatriate children who have worked as camel jockeys. In addition, as part of its effort to tackle
this crime globally and take a lead in this fight, the country contributed $15 million to support
the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Trafficking. This included sponsoring the
Conference on Trafficking in Persons in Vienna in February 2008 and actively supporting the
thematic debate of the United Nations on trafficking in New York in June 2008.
24.
The United Arab Emirates endeavours to improve training for law enforcement officers,
especially in identifying and interviewing victims, and understanding the transnational nature of
this crime. The Government is also committed to a national media campaign to enhance public
awareness about the crime of human trafficking, deter criminals and highlight the existence of
help lines and shelters for victims.
25.
In conclusion, the Minister stated that educating people about human rights is a key part
of his country’s enforcement strategy. To this end, it is planning a human rights education
syllabus for students of grades 1 to 12. Colleges of law and police are required to offer human
rights courses, and a federal institute for judicial training and studies has been established. The
State is also committed to organizing workshops, in cooperation with specialized international
organizations, focusing on spreading human rights principles in line with the international
conventions ratified by the State.
26.
The United Arab Emirates is currently studying the establishment of a national human
rights commission, in line with the Paris Principles. The Government is also looking forward to
enhancing cooperation with the Human Rights Council and is committed to serving as a model
for change in the region.
B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
27.
A number of delegations welcomed the high-level delegation from the United Arab
Emirates and commended the consultative and inclusive approach adopted in preparing the
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