Once again, the UAE finds itself at the table as the Human Rights Council kicks off its 49th session, using diplomatic leadership to work with all members constructively and inclusively to address human rights challenges around the globe.
The Human Rights Council should be celebrated as one of the only multilateral vehicles today to discuss, deliberate and, most importantly, address human rights violations around the world. The UAE was elected for a three-year term on the Council at the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly, and will join India, Malaysia, Qatar and Kazakhstan for the same term. It is the UAE’s third time being elected since the Council was established in 2006, and the country will serve as part of the Asia-Pacific Group to ensure the voices of underrepresented states will be heard.
As we move into this next term, it is important to both celebrate our successes and acknowledge the barriers we still face. As the world has endured major challenges over the last year, the rights of women and girls remain a key priority. From Yemen to Afghanistan, the region’s women must not be forgotten.
The work of the Human Rights Council has never been more important as we aim to build back a better world following the Covid-19 pandemic. To do so, we all must stand in solidarity and work through multilateral diplomacy to drive solutions in a constructive manner. The UAE will work tirelessly to ensure the Council fulfills its mandate in combating injustice around the world.
The Human Rights Council has already proven its ability to operate in challenging circumstances. While the pandemic disrupted daily life in every country without exception, human rights violations continued, and even worsened, in some parts of the world. Recognising the need to double down on its commitments during this period, the Human Rights Council remained resilient and moved to a virtual platform to ensure continuity in holding sessions among members. It has been impressive to witness how former presidents of the Council, Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger of Austria and Ambassador Nazhat Khan of Fiji, directed the Human Rights Council with stellar leadership, courage and grace, a true testament of women’s ability to lead.
2021 was the most intense year in the history of the Council, with three regular sessions and an unprecedented five special sessions on Afghanistan, Myanmar, the Occupied Palestine Territory, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Last year, while the UAE was an observer state, I am very proud of what we accomplished in efforts to promote and protect human rights around the world.
One of the greatest achievements was in the area of girls’ education. As we approach International Women’s Day, we must remember that girls are the future. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted global education, and almost 11 million girls did not return to school, making it a critical issue for the Council to address – especially in lower-income countries – out of fear of damaging an entire generation.
The work of the Human Rights Council has never been more important as we aim to build back a better world following the Covid-19 pandemic
To address this issue, the UAE and UK joined hands to lead a landmark resolution on girls’ access to 12 years of quality education. The resolution was adopted at the 47th session of the Human Rights Council, and we were extremely proud of the outcome, with 97 countries supporting our vision.
Moreover, the Council requested the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the realisation of the equal enjoyment of the right to education by every girl, highlighting the most important challenges that girls face.
Through its engagement with the UN system, the UAE has also made notable progress in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including through the launch of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s Women, Peace and Security Initiative and the launch of the UAE National Action Plan in response to UNSCR 1325. The plan aims to respond to gender perspectives in foreign policies and prevent and combat violent extremism, among other objectives.
Last year, at the Council, we proudly worked with the Permanent Missions of Israel, Bahrain and Morocco, in co-ordination with the University of Peace, to deliver a joint statement on Women, Peace and Diplomacy, calling on all states to strongly commit to ensuring women are included in the peace process and peace-building.
When a state becomes a member of the Human Rights Council, it must outline commitments to guide its work. Among its commitments, the UAE has resolved to further empower women, promote and protect the rights of children, improve the quality of life of senior citizens and advance the rights of people of determination. Furthermore, we will continue to promote the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith and intercultural dialogue at the Human Rights Council, all the while taking concerted action to mitigate climate change and strengthen public health co-operation as we collectively recover from the pandemic.
Ultimately, protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms is a long path that requires dedication and resolve. In beginning its third term on the Human Rights Council, the UAE approaches its responsibility towards the world’s most vulnerable with the utmost seriousness. The work we do at the Human Rights Council is significant in lending a voice to the oppressed and ensuring they may lead lives of dignity.
Safeguarding the right to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment are pillars of the UAE’s approach to securing peace and prosperity around the world. It is only by working together to eradicate discrimination, extremism, poverty and inequality that we may begin to achieve our shared vision for a better world.
Info
What: 11th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship
When: December 27-29, 2018
Confirmed: men: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem, Hyeon Chung, Karen Khachanov; women: Venus Williams
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae, Virgin megastores or call 800 86 823
RACE CARD
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 – Group 1 (PA) $65,000 (Dirt) 2,000m
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (Turf) 1,800m
7.40pm: Meydan Classic – Listed (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,600m
8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 (TB) $195,000 (T) 2,810m
8.50pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (T) 2,000m
9.25pm: Meydan Challenge – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,400m
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
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Griselda
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Company%20Profile
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Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
England v South Africa Test series:
First Test: at Lord's, England won by 211 runs
Second Test: at Trent Bridge, South Africa won by 340 runs
Third Test: at The Oval, July 27-31
Fourth Test: at Old Trafford, August 4-8
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
India Test squad
Virat Kohli (c), Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Shubman Gill
The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
RESULT
Manchester City 1 Sheffield United 0
Man City: Jesus (9')
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX RESULT
1. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 1:39:46.713
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 00:00.908
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes-GP 00:12.462
4. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-GP 00:12.885
5. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing 00:13.276
6. Fernando Alonso, McLaren 01:11.223
7. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 1 lap
8. Sergio Perez, Force India 1 lap
9. Esteban Ocon, Force India 1 lap
10. Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren 1 lap
11. Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso 1 lap
12. Jolyon Palmer, Renault 1 lap
13. Kevin Magnussen, Haas 1 lap
14. Lance Stroll, Williams 1 lap
15. Pascal Wehrlein, Sauber 2 laps
16. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber 2 laps
17r. Nico Huelkenberg, Renault 3 laps
r. Paul Di Resta, Williams 10 laps
r. Romain Grosjean, Haas 50 laps
r. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing 70 laps
Brief scoreline:
Crystal Palace 2
Milivojevic 76' (pen), Van Aanholt 88'
Huddersfield Town 0
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
RESULT
Brazil 2 Croatia 0
Brazil: Neymar (69'), Firmino (90' 3)
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
