DUBAI The forthcoming law banning camel jockeys under the age of 16 from competing in camel races in the UAE has been welcomed in diplomatic, human rights as well as general public circles.
I dunno, watching a 35 kg boy controlling a 1 kiloton camel has its amusing moments. | The law, to be implemented from March 31, 2005, also stipulates that the camel jockeys should not weigh less than 45kg and their age, as in their passports, should not be less than 16 years, Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said in a recent Press statement. Dr Mohammed Al Mur, Head of Human Rights Department at Dubai Police, said that a special committee had been formed for the effective implementation of the law. "The age mentioned in the jockey's passport will be cross-checked through medical tests in laboratories of the Ministry of Interior to ensure that under-aged boys are not passed off as above 16. Applicants for camel jockey job will be subjected to necessary laboratory tests to ensure compliance with age limits," Dr Al Mur, a member of the Executive Law Committee, said.
"We can saw 'em in half and count their rings. The little perishers won't be able to trick us!" | The UAE Labour Law bans all those below the age of 18 from working. However, the same law also allows those between the age of 15 and 18 years to work provided the job offered is not risky or involves hard work. And camel riding is not considered a hard job. It is a heritage sport practised by UAE nationals for ages, he said.
By their standards, it's probably not considered 'risky', either. | Apart from medical tests, parents' permission for their youngsters working as camel jockeys in the UAE is a must. "This will help in avoiding exploitation of youngsters and eliminate any sort of trade," he said with a snicker, adding that the law will effectively eliminate illegal practices noticed in this sports in the past.
So who will score this as a success first, Human Rights Watch or Amnesty Int'l? |
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