The Abu Dhabi Police, represented by the Directorate General of Punitive and Correctional Establishments kicked off a set of diverse activities at the Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in Baniyas. The events, which come in line with the second annual GCC Inmates’ Week held under the theme “Lead me to a Better Future” aim to support the efforts and multiple achievements in all areas of security cooperation among GCC countries, particularly with respect to the punitive and correctional work system.
In his statement on the occasion, Colonel Mohammed Saif Al Zaabi, Head of the Correctional and Punitive Establishments at the Ministry of Interior indicated that the Unified GCC Inmates’ Week aims at spreading the culture of post-release care and support for inmates, as well as rehabilitating ex-prisoners and integrating them back into society, as citizens who have rights and obligations. “These events stem out of the firm belief of the Police institution in the need to care for inmates, and preserve their dignity as human beings, and to take care of their innocent families while they serve their term,” said Al Zaabi.
According to Colonel Al Zaabi, the Unified GCC Inmates’ Week sheds light on this particular society segment, as being in desperate need of attention and support. “Inmates are people who have offended themselves and their society; they should not be isolated, but rather helped to get their life back on track and get integrated into society. This can be achieved with post-release care and continuous training, to change social perception towards inmates through a reform process that requires concerted efforts between various government and private institutions.
Attending the inaugural ceremony were Hadi Hachem, the Lebanese Consul; Bilal Nsour Jordanian Consul; Nawal Al Baz from the Human Rights Department at the Lebanese Embassy; as well as chiefs of sections and a large number of officers and attendees. First Lieutenant Srour Al Nuaimi, Training and Rehabilitation Branch Manager at the Correctional and Punitive Establishments, and well-known media figure Jassem Obaid from the Community Police (playing the popular cartoon character, Dabdoob) presented a number of awareness and educational contests, highly appreciated by the audience. The Police Music Band performed various music pieces, while women police members gave a special performance on the occasion.
The Medical Services Department conducted diabetes and blood pressure tests to attendees and handed out educational booklets about oral hygiene and health; obesity and chronic diseases; cancer prevention; capsule endoscopy for the digestive tract; Office Chair Correct Sitting Posture; and stress fractures. The Faraj Fund distributed brochures that highlight the fund’s goals, achievements, and role in releasing a number of eligible inmates.
The Emergency and Public Safety Department at Abu Dhabi Police gave out first aid booklets, and delivered awareness lectures on first aid basics, how to handle domestic incidents such as suffocation, burns and wounds pending the arrival of the paramedics, and the rules of communication with emergency teams by giving