UN Praises UAE's Strong Commitment To Child Protection Initiatives And Collaboration
The UAE's commitment to child protection has been acknowledged by Mama Fatima Singhateh, the UN Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse of children. She expressed gratitude for the UAE government's collaboration and preparedness in this field during a press conference at The St. Regis in Abu Dhabi. "I am grateful to the government representatives for their excellent collaboration," Singhateh stated.
During her visit from 14th to 24th April, Singhateh travelled across all seven emirates. She engaged with federal and local authorities, police, judiciary, civil society, service providers, and children. Her interactions provided insights into the UAE's efforts in child protection. Answering a question by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), she noted her positive impression of the meetings with governmental officials across various sectors and ministries.
Singhateh highlighted significant advancements since her predecessor's visit in 2009. "Since the visit of my predecessor back in 2009, the UAE has undergone tremendous improvements in the area of child rights promotion and child protection," she observed. The UAE's ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2016 was a key milestone.
The introduction of Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 on Child Rights, also known as Wadeema’s Law, marked another significant step forward. This comprehensive law is pivotal in safeguarding children's rights within the country. Singhateh praised these legislative measures as crucial developments in enhancing child protection frameworks.
Singhateh visited several specialised facilities dedicated to supporting child victims during her tour. These included The Child Centre in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Foundation for Women and Children. Other notable visits were to Aman Shelter for Women and Children in Ras Al Khaimah, Himaya Foundation for Woman and Child in Ajman, and Kanaf Centre in Sharjah.
She commended these centres for their role in providing care and support to affected children. Additionally, she lauded initiatives like the Emirati Children’s Parliament established by the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in 2020. The establishment of such platforms reflects a commitment to involving children in discussions about their rights.
Feedback and Recommendations
Singhateh emphasised that while no system is perfect, openness to feedback is crucial for improvement. "During these presentations, I offered several recommendations to enhance the efforts already underway," she said. She found a genuine willingness among officials to receive feedback and explore ways to improve existing systems.
The UN Special Rapporteur acknowledged that constructive recommendations could strengthen ongoing work in child protection. Her observations underscored that continuous learning and adaptation are vital components of effective child protection strategies.
Mama Fatima Singhateh also recognised other significant achievements by the UAE government. She praised the establishment of robust child protection structures since her predecessor's visit. The creation of entities like the Ministry of Family further demonstrates a commitment to enhancing family welfare and children's rights.
The UN Special Rapporteur's visit highlighted both progress made and areas for further development within UAE's child protection framework. Her engagement with various stakeholders underscored a collaborative approach towards safeguarding children's rights across all emirates.
With inputs from WAM
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