The Ministry of Community Development gives great importance and support to child protection and upbringing in a stable family environment through comprehensive laws, legislations and procedures related to protection and awareness of their rights. The Social Protection Department in the Ministry enhances federal law No. (3) of 2016 concerning child rights and works intensively to create social awareness of the law's provisions and implemented plans, initiatives, and programs aimed at children and families in general.
The Ministry of Community Development gives great importance and support to child protection and upbringing in a stable family environment through comprehensive laws, legislations and procedures related to protection and awareness of their rights. The Social Protection Department in the Ministry enhances federal law No. (3) of 2016 concerning child rights and works intensively to create social awareness of the law's provisions and implemented plans, initiatives, and programs aimed at children and families in general.
Plans & Initiatives
Dr. Fatima Al-Raisi, Director of Social Protection Department at the Ministry of Community Development, explained that supporting and protecting children is a top priority within the ministry's strategic plans and initiatives. The "Child Protection Unit" provides comprehensive support to children who may face any form of abuse or challenges that may hinder their upbringing in a healthy and stable environment, ensuring their safety, rehabilitation, and empowerment to become active individuals that positively contribute to building and developing the society in various fields. Necessary preventive measures are taken to protect children from any harm in accordance with the UAE laws along with the development and implementation of a series of programs and initiatives aimed at child protection.
Awareness Workshops
She stated that a total of (45) child protection specialists were trained nationwide until April 2024, along with (375) child protection coordinators in the relevant entities working in the field of childhood. The Ministry of Community Development collaborated with these entities to establish (9) child protection units and implement various programs. These programs included informative workshops on child rights laws, online child protection, raising awareness on proper ways to interact with teenagers, and training parents and related groups on how to effectively engage with children.
E-Linking
The Ministry is currently developing a digital linking system with relevant entities who are concerned with childhood in the UAE such as judicial, social, and educational authorities. Additionally, significant progress and coordination has been made between child protection units at the Ministry of Education, Emirates Schools Establishment and the child protection unit at the Ministry of Community Development to ensure the integration of roles and address any behaviours affecting the upbringing and stability of the child.
It is worth mentioning that the Child Protection Unit coordinates with relevant authorities in the UAE to provide mental, social, and health care to any child who has been subjected to abuse of various kinds. Additionally, they offer the necessary support to safeguard the fundamental rights of children, including family, social, and educational rights, in collaboration with specialized entities. You can contact Child Protection Unit at 056-1776832 or email address: CPU@mocd.gov.ae or Quality@mocd.gov.ae to report any situation or observation related to the safety and health of the child.-