International experts welcome UAE's Child Protection Law

April 14, 2016 - Dubai, UAE: Leading child protection entities and experts have lauded the gazetting of the UAE’s child protection law, which will come into force in June 2016.

David Khandan, Executive Director of Austability, said “We congratulate the leadership of UAE on reaching this significant milestone that positively impacts lives of children living here and protects them from all forms of violence. We have been involved with the development and implementation of child protection initiatives in the UAE for the past four years, and the gazetting of the Children’s Rights Law is an important step forward for everyone involved in the care and well-being of children.”

Austability, which aims to foster positive independent change within communities has identified Child Protection as one of the key areas of focus to achieve security and build strong and stable communities. In January 2016, Austability brought together international experts in the fields of investigation, prosecution, counselling and social care to present at seminars and workshops aimed to increase awareness and understanding of child protection and to develop customised and culturally sensitive solutions which can be implemented in the UAE.

“We are planning to dedicate all our national and international resources to enhancing the skills and competence of professionals working in law enforcement, education, health, judiciary and social sectors, and assist the UAE in effecting the rollout of this historic act” added Khandan.

“Protection of children from all forms of violence and exploitation is widely accepted as one the fundamental rights of every child, but child protection responsibilities and strategies vary according to regions, political and social history, religion, economics, social structure, laws and cultural beliefs.

“Every society has to think deliberately about how it will protect its children. While the family plays a vital role, the protection of children is the responsibility of the whole community, and we look forward to working with all concerned entities and community partners to introduce effective child protection measures.”