Members of the European Parliament yesterday concluded their visit to the UAE in an effort to explore the country’s achievements in recent years in advancing the rights of women, children, and people of determination.
The delegation included Caterina Chinnici of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, David Lega of the European People’s Party, MEP Rosa Estaràs Ferragut of the European People’s Party, MEP Leopoldo Lopez Gil of the European People’s Party, and MEP Isabel Wiseler-Lima of the European People’s Party.
During their visit, the delegation members, all of whom are members of the Child Rights and Disabilities Intergroups of the EU Parliament, met with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at Expo 2020 Dubai in the presence of Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation. Participants held a productive discussion on the UAE’s efforts to uphold the rights of all community members and empower them in achieving social, political, and economic inclusion.
The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination hosted the delegation and presented on the therapeutic, educational, and vocational programmes that the UAE offers to people of determination. Members then met with the Special Olympics team, wherein delegation members learned of the UAE’s efforts to develop physical fitness, social skills, and sports participation among people of determination.
Delegation members also visited the Emirati Children’s Parliament at the Federal National Council, where an engaging debate took place between Members of the European Parliament and Members of the Emirati Children’s Parliament.
The delegation extended an invitation for a group of children to attend an event on children's rights in Paris in the coming month. The delegation then met with Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), and other FNC members.
During a meeting with Ali Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Hedayah, the delegation discussed efforts to protect youth from radicalisation and extremism. They addressed hate speech as an issue of great concern in Europe and underscored the importance of promoting tolerance and interreligious and cultural exchange to foster peaceful societies.
Members of the delegation commended the high number of women holding senior positions in government and civil society in the UAE.
For his part, David Lega, Co-Chair of the Child Rights Intergroup, remarked, "Every single meeting we had was worth visiting the UAE for." Other members of the delegation noted that the visit represented the beginning of fruitful collaboration on matters of common interest, such as the wellbeing of children and people of determination. Participants also noted that this was the first of many visits to come in efforts to exchange experiences and best practices in these fields.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2022.
