Geneva, Dec. 9th, 2008-The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) adopted the report prepared by the troika of rapporteurs on UAE's human rights issues in Geneva on Tuesday.

The troika -- Argentina, Cameroon and Indonesia, who were elected by the Human Rights Council - praised the "exemplary" manner in which the report was prepared and presented, as well as the "seriousness" with which human rights issues are dealt with by the UAE.

The rapporteurs hoped that the UAE would take "constructive" action with regard to the recommendations made by the member countries and stressed that the UAE should be allowed to develop its plans "at its own rhythm".

The interactive dialogue involving more than 60 countries -- following the submission and assessment of the UAE's national report on December 4 - resulted in widespread appreciation, comments and questions, as well as 75 recommendations.

The wide-ranging recommendations include issues revolving around improving the rights of temporary contractual workers, equality between men and women, enhancing the infrastructure in remote areas, furthering rights pertaining to protection of children, freedom of the press, among others.

In consultation with the troika the UAE delegation decided to adopt a model that categorises the recommendations under three heads.

First, in agreeing to many of the recommendations, the UAE delegation noted that serious efforts have been made to harmonise the laws with the new requirements and international conventions. Second, some of the suggestions would be studied in detail before making further commitments.

Together, these account for 72 percent of the recommendations.

Finally, the UAE has indicated that a few of the prescriptions do not enjoy its support because of several legal, social and cultural contradictions.

In his closing statement, the head of the UAE delegation, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, said the UAE greatly values all the comments and appreciates the UPR process, which involves a review of the human rights records of all 192 United Nations Member States once every four years.

"This has served as an opportunity for us to take into account the progress we have made and for them to be recognised by the international community, as well as remind us of the shortcomings and challenges that need our attention in future," he added.

The recommendations that the UAE has accepted for implementation in due course -- some of which are commitments that Dr Gargash made in his statement -- include ratifying the additional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime; enhancing the state's cooperation with the Human Rights Council; studying the establishment of a national human rights commission in line with the Paris principles; reforming the media law and spreading the culture of human rights.

"Despite the fact that the UAE is not party to some relevant treaties, the Constitution has provided several guarantees that is reflected in the laws and practices of the country," Dr Gargash added.

The minister assured the Human Rights Council that the UAE would continue communicating with the international community as part of its quest to further improve its performance.

The final report is scheduled to be adopted by the Human Rights Council in April 2009.(WAM/MA)