UAE child protection by-law to be submitted to local entities for feedback

The law includes an article allowing authorities to take on orphaned children or children whose guardian is incapable of providing proper care.

ABU DHABI // The draft by-law of the Wadeema law will be submitted to 45 federal and local entities for feedback before it is adopted.

It includes an article allowing authorities to take on orphaned children or children whose guardian is incapable of providing proper care. The children would then be in the care of social services and the guardian would no longer be the legally recognised carer.

A child’s social worker would also have the power to summon the family to acquire parenting skills and to be given advice on how to prevent the child from misbehaving.

The by-law also defines when a social worker can intervene to save the child from various types of abuse and enrol the child in treatment programmes.

Any entities that deal with children will also be told to adopt policies to protect children and their rights, ban abuse and illegal treatment of children.

The by-law sets out parents’ responsibilities, too, ensuring that they care for a child, ensure their development and make them a priority above any other consideration.

Children will be given priority in the event of emergencies, disasters or armed conflict.

Federal and local authorities will be asked to commit to protecting the rights of children to access healthcare, be treated for diseases and their right to live in a clean and healthy environment, free of harmful practices.

Local authorities will also be responsible for providing the child’s guardian with basic information about children’s health and nourishment and the advantages of breastfeeding, ensuring a hygienic and safe environment, and preventing accidents.

The law also stipulated several controls to be followed by cinemas, TV stations and media to ensure the protection of children’s rights.