New awareness drive for UAE child's rights law launched in Dubai

The United Nations-backed campaign will target schools teachers, social workers and parents

Maitha Al Shamsi, chief executive of the Community Development Authority's human rights Sector, said protecting children is a priority for the country. Courtesy Community Development Authority  

A major drive has been launched in Dubai to raise awareness of a UAE law set up to safeguard the rights of children.

Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA) has joined forces with Unicef and Dubai Judicial Institute to educate all sections of society, from teachers and social workers to parents and young people themselves, about the vital need to protect children from all forms of abuse.

The campaign, entitled 'My Right', will spread awareness about the country's child's rights law - widely known as the Wadeema law - which was introduced in 2013.

The law is named in memory of Wadeema, an eight-year-old Emirati girl who was tortured to death by her father and another suspect in 2012.

The CDA will host a series of workshops to highlight cases of abuse and negligence and inform childcare providers about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the UAE signed in1997.

Maitha Al Shamsi, chief executive of the authority’s human rights sector, said safeguarding children is a priority for the country's leadership.

“Child protection is a special priority in the national agenda of the UAE. Our country is committed to providing a safe environment that ensures serious development for children’s capabilities and talents,” said Ms Al Shamsi.

The “My Right” campaign will start with a workshop held at Dubai Judicial Institute for social workers and  teachers, in which the Wadeema Law will be outlined along with the procedures to be followed if any abuse or negligence is noted.

A series of awareness workshops for parents and school students will continue until the end of the year.