A/HRC/14/43/Add.3
dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, incitement to racial
discrimination, as well as all acts of violence or incitement to such acts against any race or
group of persons of another colour or ethnic origin, and also the provision of any assistance
to racist activities, including the financing thereof”. States parties shall also “declare illegal
and prohibit organizations, and also organized and all other propaganda activities, which
promote and incite racial discrimination, and shall recognize participation in such
organizations or activities as an offence punishable by law”.
21.
In conformity with the above-mentioned human rights standards, the Special
Rapporteur is of the view that the Government should consider adopting a specific
legislative act on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The
specific law on human trafficking5 adopted by the Government in 2006 constitutes a good
example in that regard. The benefits of a single legislative act include specific reporting,
reviewing and enforcement mechanisms, as well as specific funding, which usually allows
for more effective policies against racism. The enactment of a single legislative act also
clearly demonstrates the State’s political commitment in the fight against racism. Moreover,
it allows enhanced visibility and accessibility of the law for civil society, thereby enabling
individuals to resort to the law in an easier and more effective manner.
C.
Institutional human rights framework
22.
While there exists at present no national human rights institution in the United Arab
Emirates, the Special Rapporteur was encouraged to learn that since December 2008 the
Government had taken steps to implement voluntary commitments and recommendations
made in the framework of the Universal Periodic Review. These include the initiation of a
study on human rights institutions in various countries to help the United Arab Emirates
establish its own national institution, in line with the Paris Principles.
23.
During his mission, the Special Rapporteur was particularly impressed by the human
rights strategy designed by the Dubai Community Authority Development, which is
responsible for setting up and developing frameworks for social development in Dubai.
This governmental institution, which aims at reaching out to all individuals within the
society, including non-nationals residing in Dubai, will most probably help raise awareness
about human rights and instil a human rights culture in Dubai. Therefore, the Special
Rapporteur very much hopes that such a local institution could be turned in the near future
into a full-fledged and Paris Principles-compatible national human rights institution
covering all seven Emirates with an oversight mandate, including the monitoring of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
24.
In the aftermath of his mission, the Special Rapporteur was informed about the plans
in Dubai to build a human rights village consisting of five domes addressing different
human rights issues and which should be accessible to all. He very much welcomes this
initiative which will help raise awareness and educate people about human rights.
5
8
See Federal Law No. 51 of 2006 on combating human trafficking crimes.
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