HOUSE OVERSIGHT 024938 I am well aware of the foreign reports that criticize the way that the UAE deals with the issue of democracy. Th ese reports assess our system on the basis of their own history and cultural experiences, and the experiences of their countries — some of which have been democracies for more than 300 years. The easiest thing is to hold general elections and to place ballot boxes and to disseminate images and words about the greatness of democracy. But our leadership does not look for fame, and does not import ready-made models that may be valid for other societies, but is certainly not suitable for our society. Some months ago, we celebrated National Day, our 37th. Do you know how we used to live before? Do you have any idea about the state of education and illiteracy, infrastructure and public services? Do you know the details of our society's infrastructure and how it was developed? Today, after the tremendous achievements in various fields, our people have full confidence in the process of empowerment -- empowerment of the economy, women, the administration, the and culture as well as political empowerment within our traditions and culture. The midterm elections of the members of the Federal National Council is a very important step in the progression toward what is acceptable to the interests of our people and our homeland. The National Abu Dhabi Media Company - Matt Slater The issues of labor rights and human trafficking continue to adversely affect the image of the UAE abroad. Whereas there are clear policies aimed at aligning the2OUAE with international best practice on these fronts, the actual rate of prosecutions of those violating rights on these fronts are generally seen to be low. What is being done to address this? I want you to look at the results of the last meeting of the International Committee for Human Rights in Geneva, and to look at reports that refer to the huge progress in the UAE with regard to these i