Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi Reinforces Child Safety At UAE’s Kanaf Centre

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), recently visited Kanaf, the UAE's premier child protection centre, to reaffirm Sharjah's dedication to child safety and rights. During her visit, she was accompanied by Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development.

Sheikha Jawaher highlighted Sharjah's comprehensive approach to child safety, which includes the integration of various entities, frameworks, programmes, and initiatives designed to protect children from all forms of abuse. She stressed the importance of communities adapting to new challenges to safeguard children effectively.

Kanaf, which began operations in 2023 under Sheikha Jawaher's directives, is the first child protection centre of its kind in the UAE and the region. It provides specialized legal, psychological, and social support to young victims of physical and sexual abuse and their families. This initiative brings together legal, medical, and social entities under one roof to create a unified effort towards child protection.

During her visit, Sheikha Jawaher was welcomed by Handai Al Yafei, Director of CSD and Head of Kanaf’s Higher Committee, along with Ameena Al Refaei, Director of Kanaf. Sheikha Jawaher encouraged the management and staff to treat each child seeking assistance as part of their own family and highlighted Kanaf's role in building a resilient society.

She emphasized that raising awareness about Kanaf's role is crucial for its success and for ensuring the protection and safety of every child in Sharjah. Sheikha Jawaher also mentioned the importance of prevention, care, and safety in their approach to child protection.

Recognizing the changing social landscape and the advancement of knowledge, Sheikha Jawaher stressed staying updated with global experiences to enhance expertise in child protection. She expressed her aspiration for Sharjah to lead in championing child protection.

Kanaf collaborates with ten partnering entities including the SCFA, the Federal Court of First Instance Sharjah, and the Sharjah Police General Directorate among others. This collaboration underscores a unified commitment to prioritizing child safety and well-being. The centre is supported by facilities contributed by the Sharjah City Municipality and works closely with various entities such as the Emirates Health Services Establishment and the Sharjah Social Services Department.

Through this visit, Sheikha Jawaher gained insights into Kanaf's comprehensive process for assisting children from initial contact through full recovery. Her engagement underscores a significant step towards reinforcing the safety net for vulnerable children in Sharjah and beyond.

With inputs from WAM