In his speech at the ceremony, Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Sha?far, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior, said: ?Protecting humans and preserving their rights represents the fundamental basis of our work at the ministry. Marking the important International Human Rights Day and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is testament to the significant strides made by the UAE in promoting the rights of all segments of society.?

Lt. General Al Sha?far noted that the UAE stands among the leading world countries and has earned top marks for its considerable efforts and hard work to guarantee human rights and to provide all means of well-being and advancement for the betterment of the people. ?This embodies the UAE?s firm belief that mankind is one of the most important pillars of progress and development, and the pillar of every action designed to preserve and develop national gains,? he continued.

Lt. General Al Sha?far said: ?The UAE has acceded to and ratified a number of bilateral, regional and international treaties, agreements and conventions on human rights; including the Convention on the Rights of the Child; the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, and Discrimination Against Women; and the Anti-Human Trafficking Law. It has also ratified the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This reflects the UAE?s unrelenting commitment to respect the highest humanitarian standards that preserve human rights, and its commitment to preserve the rights of people with disabilities.?

For his part, Mohamed Mohamed Fadel Al Hameli, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care, hailed the support of the wise leadership for people with special needs.  He said: ?The keenness of the UAE to maintain the rights of people with special needs is an integral part of the intellectual approach, which champions the need to build the good Emirati Citizen. The UAE has promulgated numerous laws and legislations, notably the Federal Law No. 29 for 2006 concerning the rights of people with special needs. It has also enacted a number of legislations related to social welfare as set forth by the general political agenda of the UAE, with the aim of providing all components of happiness and satisfaction to citizens with special needs, which have reflected on their achievements in all fields.?

The ceremony began with a documentary about Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs, which documented the early stages of the organization?s establishment, as well as the constant efforts to support and rehabilitate people with special needs and help to integrate them efficiently into professional and productive jobs. Following the documentary, members of the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care presented a musical performance.

Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Sha?far, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior, honored a number of participating authorities. He also inaugurated the accompanying exhibition, which included traditional and handmade crafts, as well as paintings, all made by the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care members.