UAE responded effectively to combat discrimination and hatred through freeing a law in 2015 that outlawed all types of discrimination whether in religion, caste, creed, sex, doctrine, race, colour or origin.
The law should be conducive to mutual understanding and acceptance and is expected to safeguard the people no matter where they are from, what they believe in and what color they are.
The law outlaws acts that incite religious hatred and/or offend religion via words or written material, books/pamphlets and through websites/Computer Mediated Communication. The law also addresses the issue of any person referring to other fellow religious groups or individuals as infidels or unbelievers as punishable.
In 2023, the UAE further amended the law — it prohibits and penalises:
- that originally was only focused on symbols of religion, religious ceremonies, and objects.
- vandalism, injury, blasphemy, and disrespect to interactive scriptures
- interpersonal insult against prophets, structures of worship, burial grounds and tombs, and other sacred spaces.
By the law, anyone is barred from engaging in any practices or giving utterances that may cause discrimination.
It criminalizes conduct aimed at promoting hate speech; tribal clashes or disturbing the peace of the People through communication. This law also states that freedom of opinion and expression does not include any writings or public displays which can pose contempt or harm to religions.
It describes extremism as any act committed or performed by individuals or groups motivated by ideologies, values or principles, which infringes stability of the public order, insult the religions, or discriminated or incite the population with hatred speech.
The legal measures and penalties for the various forms of violations of the provisions of the law include imprisonment for a period of six months and not less than 10 and a half years and fines that can be as low as Dh500,000 and as high as Dh2 million.
How to report discrimination:
It is legal to report discrimination and acts of prejudice such as base on religion, caste, creed, doctrine, race, color or ethnic origin to the government.
- Online channels of the UAE Police: Discrimination can be reported through the UAE police online services in all the emirates.
To report, the below avenues of reporting are available in the respective emirate.
Abu Dhabi Police through calling ‘Aman’ no: 8002626 and SMS to 8002828
Al Ameen service is through Dubai police on 8004888 within UAE or +9718004888 in case one is an outsider.
Sharjah Police through their Najeed service on the number 800151 or can also through an SMS to the number 7999.
2. Judicial authorities: Another method is the use of judicial machinery to file a case against the offending business.
3. Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization: Employment workplace discrimination can be reported online through the various outlets provided for by the ministry.
To report to Mohre one has to give enough proofs to back up a complaint that is being filed. These evidences will build the complaint and help to increase the chance of positive outcome. It is useful to collect witness statements or testimonials from other colleagues who can support your statements. The essential anything you have more evidence the stronger the position mainly of the litigants. Some of the types of records that may be useful in defending Title VII claims may include employment contracts and agreements, payslip, bank statements, emails, correspondence and any other communications that may be relevant to the case.
Fill in the official complaint form available at the website of the ministry of health and social welfare – Mohre or at the ministry offices. It contains basic necessities as to your details both personal and relative to your employer, as well as the details of the grievance in question. Reading: The Dangers of Intake of Genetically Modified Foods There is need to state clearly whatever you have to say to the audience along with other details and proofs. You should fill the form carefully, it is crucial not to miss something, or there will be complications during the process.
- Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR): The complaints can be made via FAHR’s online channels by employees working in the government sector.
Human rights issues can be reported online through the eServices from the:Human rights issues can be reported online through the eServices from the:
- Human Rights Office – Judicial Department – Abu Dhabi
- Community Development Authority (CDA) is another authority that is responsible for development of Markets and Commercial Buildings.
You can also communicate with CDA on the toll-free number 8002121 or email at human_rights@cda.gov.ae.
Or touch base with the Ministry of Tolerance and Co-existence in the UAE to share any discrimination issues or email at: info@tolerance.gov.ae.
Refer to the UAE’s National Human Rights Institution for any complaints related to human rights. (https://nhriuae.com/en)
It’s essential to know your rights and the appropriate channels for seeking help and justice.
