Latest news with #ChildProtectionCentre
Al Etihad
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UAE earns UN praise for strong commitment to child protection
25 Apr 2025 00:26 MAYS IBRAHIM brahim (ABU DHABI)The UAE has achieved significant progress in the area of child rights promotion and child protection, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, Mama Fatima Singhateh, who concluded a 10-day visit to the UAE on Thursday. She travelled to all seven emirates and met with representatives of the federal and local government, the police, judges, members of the civil society, service and care providers, and children."Numerous positive developments have been registered over the past 16 years and in line with her [my predecessor's] recommendations,' Singhateh said in a press conference on Thursday. She added that the invitation to visit and the cooperation extended throughout her mission reflect the UAE's strong commitment to tackling child exploitation and providing appropriate care and support for highlighted several key legislative milestones in the UAE, including the adoption of Wadeema's Law in 2016, which guarantees children's rights to protection from abuse, and more recent federal decrees targeting cybercrime and human trafficking.'The law [Wadeema's Law] provides protection of the rights of all children in the UAE, including their right to be protected from all forms of neglect, exploitation, physical and psychological abuses, in line with their best interests,' she explained.'The law also calls for the establishment of child protection measures and mechanisms, including the appointment of child protection specialists in every institution that works with children.' Institutionally, Singhateh noted the expansion of specialised centres and services for children across the country. She highlighted the Ministry of Interior's Child Protection Centre, established in 2011, as a key institution leading child safety efforts through strategy development, policy implementation, oversight of protection practices, and community support services. 'The Child Protection Centre also places special emphasis on child protection in the digital environment and has been working to address the risks children face on the internet,' Singhateh said. 'It is worthy to commend the Ministry of Interior's shift in approach towards prioritising early detection of online sexual exploitation and abuse against children by undertaking online patrolling and using AI-based softwares.'Singhateh further commended the establishment of child-friendly facilities and shelters, such as the Child Center in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, and the Kanaf Centre in Sharjah, which provide integrated care to child victims of abuse.'It is noteworthy that many of these actors place emphasis on the provision of services for the family with a view to enhance the wellbeing of the entire family, thereby contributing to minimise situations that may put children at risk to sexual exploitation and abuse,' she said. Singhateh also highlighted the AI for Safer Children initiative launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). The initiative supports law enforcement globally by promoting the use of artificial intelligence to investigate child sexual exploitation and abuse. 'The initiative has produced AI for Safer Children Global Hub, an online platform with a collection of information on AI tools available to combat this specific crime as well as a community of practice for over 1,000 officers from 120 countries,' Singhateh said. She also acknowledged the UAE's efforts to address the needs of vulnerable groups, such as children with disabilities. 'I visited the Al Bahia Innovation Center under the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, which provides services for people of determination, including children, to empower them educationally, functionally, culturally and socially in line with their abilities and aspirations.''Such commendable initiatives would empower and contribute to reducing children of determination's risks of exposure to exploitation,' she was particularly inspired by her meetings with young members of the Emirati Children's Parliament and Sharjah Youth Shura Council. 'All the children I met with are changemakers in their own communities and country. They engage with their peers and raise awareness on various issues ranging from empowerment, bullying and violence against children – I am truly inspired by their confidence, astuteness and capability,' she said.
Daily Tribune
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Shura Council to discuss proposals restricting children's access to certain websites for up to 12 hours daily
New child reform measures being considered by the Shura Council would allow courts to block youngsters from certain websites for up to 12 hours a day and hand the Child Protection Centre stronger powers to track and support those under judicial supervision. The proposals form part of a draft law to amend Bahrain's Reform Justice for Children and Protection from Maltreatment Law. The Council is expected to take up the matter on Sunday. If passed, the changes would place the Child Protection Centre at the heart of decisions on judicial probation, giving it the role of coordinating with the Reform Justice Court. This would be done either independently or, in some cases, alongside the relevant department in the Interior Ministry. The aim is to keep closer tabs on children in the system and provide regular support for their families, with added focus on emotional and social well-being. Measures One of the measures would give judges the power to ban access to specified websites or social media platforms for between two and twelve hours per day. This is intended to reduce the pull of online spaces that may lead to poor choices. The restrictions would depend on the nature of the offence and the child's individual case. Safeguards are included to ensure such blocks do not interfere with learning, work, or religious practice. The current law limits coordination to the court or child justice committee alone. New version Under the new version, the Centre would also work with the Interior Ministry's designated branch, allowing for greater follow-up and cross-checking of each child's case. The Centre would be responsible for keeping track of progress before, during, and after probation, as well as supervising training or rehabilitation schemes. The Interior Ministry would play a supporting role in putting measures into effect. Together, the two bodies would form a practical working arrangement, designed to ensure that rulings concerning children are not left to drift. The Women and Child Affairs Committee has backed the draft law. Principle It said the 2021 legislation was a move towards child-focused justice and praised the current proposals for keeping that principle intact.
Daily Tribune
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Parliament approves changes to Juvenile Justice Law, hailed as ‘one of the most advanced in the region'
Young offenders in Bahrain could face internet restrictions under new judicial powers approved by Parliament yesterday, marking a shift in how courts handle youth rehabilitation. The amendments to the Restorative Justice Law for Children and their Protection from Maltreatment will allow judges to impose bans on certain websites and online platforms as part of sentencing, alongside existing measures such as movement restrictions and home supervision orders. These changes, tied to Decree No. (95) of 2024, also expand alternative sentencing options for serious offences and strengthen the role of the Child Protection Centre in monitoring young offenders, reducing reliance on police oversight. Sentencing rules for serious offences would also be adjusted. At present, those convicted of a felony are bound by strict guidelines. The changes would give judges greater discretion to assess circumstances and, where appropriate, impose alternative measures instead of custodial sentences. Monitoring The role of the Child Protection Centre will expand under the bill, as it takes on monitoring responsibilities alongside the Ministry of Interior, reducing the burden on law enforcement. Courts could also refer cases to the centre for follow-up rather than relying solely on police oversight. The shift is intended to strengthen social support mechanisms for young offenders rather than depending entirely on a police-led approach. MP Dr Mahdi Al Shuwaikh supported the bill, describing it as 'a very good law' and welcoming the expanded role of the Child Protection Centre. 'We support stronger safeguards for children, but we also urge the Education Ministry to intervene and ensure these young people continue their studies,' he said. 'They need proper learning materials to help them keep up and pass their assessments.' He also called for additional support for those who have fallen behind due to legal rulings. 'Children who have been out of school for years because of sentencing decisions should receive dedicated teaching to help them make up for lost time,' he said. MP Ahmed Al Salloom praised Bahrain's Restorative Justice Law as 'one of the most advanced in the region' and said the amendments would 'strengthen the system by expanding alternative sentencing and refining judicial oversight.' Approach 'The law already prioritises rehabilitation over punishment, but this bill reinforces that approach by allowing judges to consider alternative measures where circumstances permit,' he said. He also backed the proposal to increase the role of the Child Protection Centre and the Ministry of Interior. 'Granting these institutions a greater role in monitoring young offenders and tracking their progress is key to making restorative justice work,' he added. MP Jalal Kadhem also endorsed the amendments, describing them as 'a real step forward in protecting children and ensuring their rehabilitation.' Fine-tuning 'The law is still relatively new, but some provisions require fine-tuning,' he said. The bill has undergone several reviews and secured support from key government and independent bodies. The Ministry of Social Development has endorsed the changes, stating that they align with legal recommendations. The Ministry of Justice said the amendments would provide courts with greater flexibility to handle cases fairly and effectively. The Ministry of Interior has also approved the bill. The Bahrain Bar Society has raised no objections.
