The Ministry of Interior reiterated its support to local and international efforts to protect children from any attempts of abuse.
This support was voiced in a statement by Major General Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of H.H Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Child Protection, on the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour on June 12.
Secretary General Al Nuaimi explained that the state is providing various kinds of care and services to protect children, such as protecting them from neglect and social, economical, psychological and physical abuse, which reflects the keenness of the government to promote child protection. He also pointed out that protecting children from violence, abuse and harm represents an authentic element in protecting children’s right to survive, grow up and develop.
Major General Al Nuaimi added: “Through the Higher Committee for Child Protection at the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Interior Child Protection Center, we work to achieve the vision of H.H. Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and UAE Minister of Interior to make the United Arab Emirates a civilized hub for child protection.
On the sidelines of the World Day against Child Labour, Major General Al Nuaimi assured the ministry’s commitment and constant endeavor to adopt the best international practices, follow up all developments related to the security and safety of society, as well as to enhance and spread awareness to protect against any challenges, particularly when it comes to child protection.
He also commended the ministry’s efforts in child protection since it became a part of the global virtual power, through the establishment of the Higher Committee for Child Protection and finally the Child Protection Center. He stated that the ministry’s efforts come in line with the government strategy and government Vision 2021 that contributes in enhancing the preventive aspect in the fight against crime and making the UAE the world’s safest country.
Moreover, Major General Al Nuaimi pointed out that child labour have negative impacts on society in general and on children in particular, because childhood is one the most essential phases in human life, which marks the development of the human character with its events, experiences and interactions.
In 1989, the United Nations issued a Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) that was adopted by the UN General Assembly. The Convention generally defines a child as any human being under the age of eighteen, and asserts the need to protect children from any economical abuse or any action that could potentially contain damage, hinder children’s education, harm children’s health or children’s physical, mental, psychological, moral or social development. The convention states that all member countries must “take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to guarantee this protection.”
