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Al Etihad
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women & Girls describes UAE's progress on women's rights as ‘remarkable'
27 June 2025 00:44 GENEVA (WAM) During the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Al Salem, praised the United Arab Emirates for its significant progress in promoting gender equality and protecting women from described the country's achievements as 'remarkable,' highlighting the UAE's strong political commitment to gender equality and its growing efforts to empower women across political, economic, and social spheres.'The UAE has made tremendous strides, particularly in women's political and economic participation, which is a direct result of political will and a vision that values women's contribution to society,' said Al Salem. 'Gender parity in the Federal National Council, the increased representation of women in leadership roles, and substantial legal reforms demonstrate the UAE's commitment to protecting and empowering women.'She further commended the UAE for its continued progress on women's rights, adding, 'The government's proactive approach—including significant investments in the protection of women and children in crisis settings—reflects the country's dedication to ensuring safety and equality for all women and girls. These efforts are vital in creating a future where women can fully contribute to national development.'Welcoming the Special Rapporteur's remarks, the UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, Jamal Jama Al Musharakh, stated, 'This successful visit signifies the UAE's ongoing commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls both domestically and internationally. It reflects our belief that empowering women and ensuring their full, equal, and meaningful participation in society is fundamental to building inclusive and prosperous communities.'Ambassador Al Musharakh emphasised that the UAE's work is far from complete.'The UAE remains dedicated to working closely with the United Nations and will continue to act on the Special Rapporteur's recommendations as we pursue further progress in ensuring the rights of women and girls are fully realised and protected,' he UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls visited the UAE in December 2024. During her visit, the UAE organised field visits and facilitated meetings with government officials, civil society representatives, and other relevant organisations.
Sunday World
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Sunday World
24 police officers moved from domestic abuse unit to deal with riots in Ballymena
A senior PSNI officer said she 'cannot begin to describe the challenges' the force is dealing with within its public protection unit. Detective Chief Superintendent Zoe McKee, head of public protection at the PSNI, gave evidence to MPs (UK Parliament/PA) Twenty-four police officers were removed from duties investigating sex crimes and domestic abuse to deal with recent public disorder in Northern Ireland, MPs have been told. A senior PSNI officer said she 'cannot begin to describe the challenges' the force is dealing with within its public protection unit. The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee held an evidence session on ending violence against women and girls. The Stormont Executive launched its first Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy last year. Detective Chief Superintendent Zoe McKee is head of the public protection team at the PSNI, which deals with sex crimes and domestic abuse. She told the committee that there are 'real challenges' for police due to the funding situation. Scores of police officers have been hurt during recent rioting in Northern Ireland (Brian Lawless/PA) She said: 'If we do not have the dedicated resources to deal with issues like this, we are going to be in this perpetual cycle and we are going to be creating our own legacy in time. 'I cannot begin to describe the challenges within public protection arena within policing currently. 'By way of example, even this week alone I have had 24 officers extracted for public disorder which actually stemmed from a violence against women and girls offence. 'That narrative has been lost in a lot of what has happened in recent weeks. 'We are facing significant under-funding challenges, a £21 million gap and we have officers at the very lowest level we have ever had in the PSNI, at 6,200 and we should be sitting at 7,500. 'They are real challenges which effect how we deliver services and support victims and prosecute offenders for all of the violence against women and girls offence types.' More than 60 police officers have been injured in disturbances that started last week after a peaceful protest over an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena and later spread to other areas. Dr Siobhan McAllister Dr Siobhan McAllister, senior lecturer in criminology Queen's University Belfast, told the committee that there is still a 'mistrust' in some communities about reporting domestic crimes to police. She said: 'We see this being passed down within families and within communities, you don't go to the police and paramilitaries within communities might know then if you go to the police. 'That still does have an impact.' DUP leader Gavin Robinson asked if delays within the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland was a barrier to female victims coming forward. Sonya McMullan Sonya McMullan, regional services Manager for Women's Aid Northern Ireland, told the committee she had been dealing with a domestic abuse victim who had waited five years for her abuser to be sentenced. She said: 'People are dropping out (of the criminal justice system), we have this issue all of the time, it doesn't instil public confidence in people going forward. 'Are you going to put your life on hold for five years? 'We have had women coming forward saying I am not going through this, I simply cannot put myself and my family through this. 'People talk about the retraumatisation going through the court process and having to relive that. 'A lot of that doesn't encourage people to come forward.' Detective Chief Superintendent Zoe McKee, head of public protection at the PSNI, gave evidence to MPs (UK Parliament/PA) News in 90 Seconds - June 18th
