Saturday: 17 April 2010:
Al Nuaimi announces the formation of a Higher Committee and a Center
at the Ministry of Interior to protect children against risks
In response to the directives of HH Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Major General Nasser La Khreibani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of HH's Office has announced that a Higher Committee will be formed at the Ministry of Interior to protect children against potential risks resulting from the use of the internet, to maintain their rights in general and to face any challenges that may have effect on them.
The Higher Committee will comprise a number of sub-committees. They all work together to make the UAE a distinguished center fro child protection through a number of themes, such as awareness, legislations and other controls. Harsh punishments will be imposed on sexual exploitation of children, possession and distribution of child pornography material.
The Secretary general has announced a study to establish a register of child sex offenders, a special child protection center rat MoI and introduction of necessary legislations.
Major general la Khreibani said "The Higher Committee of child awareness and protection will study the development of monitoring tools for parents by use of ID card. E-patrols will be launched to monitor and analyze criminal behavior at the country level".
The awareness programme will include all community categories, children and parents, in addition to legal and security institutions. Specialized conferences will be organized, local, regional and international partnerships will be made and promoted. The UAE is already a member of the Virtual Global taskforce (VGT).
Major Fayssal Mohammad al Shamari, Liaison Officer and Media Coordinator at VGT has presented a brief on the effort of VGT as a law enforcement agencies from around the world, working together to fight child abuse online. It aims at building an effective and international partnership of law enforcement agencies that help protect children from online child abuse. We seek to identify vulnerable children and places of their existence, and to bring offenders to justice. It includes a group of relevant institutions from USA, UK, Australia, Canada< Italy and the Interpol.
Mr. Mark Mcantair from technology giant Microsoft has presented a brief on the Child Exploitation Tracking System (CETS). It is a global system developed by Microsoft to assist investigators in exchanging information, search and cooperation in protecting children against exploitation.
The program manages cases on law men request in Canada. To face the increasing challenges of child abuse online. It is also in response to Microsoft social responsibility. The program enhances exchange of information at world level. It can be used in Arabic language. He has explained how the program works.
Major Al Shamari said "The introductory workshop is organized in response to the directives of Police Leadership, in order to implement the program within the framework of the joint efforts to achieve the desired goals.
The High Commission of Human rights has lauded recently the project of the Higher Committee and the UAE efforts which are appreciated by all concerned authorities.