The Ministry of Interior’s Higher Committee for Child Protection lauded the cooperation between the various ministries and competent authorities on the new Federal Law that was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The new Law, named the “Wudeema Law” on Child Rights, aims to secure a safe and stable future for children, regardless of their nationality, religion or origin. It also complements a number of relevant laws on child protection, such as the anti-human trafficking Law, and the Law to protect children with unknown parentage, issued earlier this year.
Major General Nasser Lakhraibani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, gave an address marking the United Nations Universal Children’s Day. He commended the efforts of the “Mother of the Nation” Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. He highlighted Her Highness’s support, guidance and financial contributions to promote children's rights and families’ well-being; as well as to improve services provided to children.
He emphasized the commitment of Lt. General, H.H Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, to see the UAE becoming a hub for excellence in the region and a role model in all areas of Child Protection, via the various legislations and procedures.
Major general Lakhrebani noted that children are a divine gift; a source of happiness in this life; and a reward in the afterlife. He added that raising children according to righteous values is a responsibility that we all should undertake to the fullest, to protect children from potential risks.
He added: “It is unfortunate to see people today who do not show love and affection to their children; they rather abuse them in various forms including negligence. This is not only inhumane; it is also contrary to the righteous values,” stressing the need to care for children and not to abuse them.
He pointed out that the International Community has taken serious measures to protect children and children’s rights. For this end, the United Nations issued a number of declarations, namely; the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which the UAE ratified and acceded to. The United Nations also endeavored to develop mechanisms to promote children's rights in societies; such as declaring the Universal Children's Day in 1954, which is observed on November 20th of each year. The goal is to promote global cooperation on child protection, and raise awareness of their rights, with respect to the importance of protecting children around the world.
He stressed that the UAE has devoted greater attention for youth, to ensure that all children enjoy their rights under the international conventions. Such rights stipulate that they live in a risk, abuse and accidents-free environment, which respects the true value of children and the concept of family and its role to ensure the progress and development of societies.
Moreover, Al Nuaimi stressed the dedication and attention devoted by the State to children, since the formation of the Union. He indicated that the UAE Constitution stipulates that society shall be responsible for protecting childhood and motherhood and that family is the basis of society.
The UAE also issued a number of laws to protect children’s rights and ratified the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on January 3rd 1997. The UAE is still a tireless advocate on children and families’ rights
