On March 14, 2016, the first day of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, a round table on enhancing gender equality and women's empowerment was held highlighting the records of supposedly "tolerant" states.
The United Arab Emirates' intervention referred to their "commitment to gender equality ... since our nation's founding."
Yet according to the 2015 Freedom House Country Report: "The constitution does not address gender equality. Muslim women are forbidden to marry non-Muslims and receive smaller inheritances than men. No laws protect against marital rape, and men are permitted to physically discipline their wives. Women are politically underrepresented..."
In Qatar's words: "all laws and legislation in Qatar do not discriminate between men and women."
According to the 2015 Freedom House Country Report, "Domestic violence is not criminalized and is prevalent. The Qatar Foundation for Child and Woman Protection has noted a significant increase in cases of violence since 2004."
An intervention by the Permanent Observer State of Palestine followed:
"I stress that one of the main reasons that hinders sustainable development is the Israeli occupation of Palestine."