Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, Minister of Labour, yesterday described the new law enacted Monday by the UAE to criminalise all forms of discrimination on the grounds of religion, caste, creed, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin, as a "civilisational addition" that provides a legislative framework for the culture of tolerance, compassion, and acceptance of others as they are.

This culture, he said, is deeply rooted in the country's society and provides the foundation for continuous social and economic progress.

"The anti-discriminatory law reflects peaceful co-existence between different cultures in the UAE, making it an attractive destination for people looking for a dignified life, security and safety under the umbrella of the rule of law and the protection of human dignity," the minister added.

All legislation in the UAE are based on the principles of justice and respect for human rights of all people, regardless of their religion and race, and further strengthen the state of law and institutionalised state.

The Anti-Discriminatory Law, issued on Monday following a decree by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, criminalises any acts that stoke religious hatred and/or which insult religion through any form of expression.
Source: WAM