Latest news with #ChildRightsLaw
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Zawya
Child Safety Department hosts workshop championing children's rights as part of the UAE's Year of Community
Hanadi Al Yafei: 'Awareness of the law is not solely the duty of security; it is incumbent upon every community member'. Sharjah: As part of the UAE's "Year of Community" national program under the theme "Hand in Hand," the Child Safety Department (CSD), an affiliate of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah (SCFA), conducted an awareness workshop titled 'Children's Rights: A Right for All Children' at Muweilah Park, Sharjah. Organised in collaboration with the Public Prosecution and Sharjah Municipality, the workshop specifically targeted Asian communities residing in the emirate, aiming to enhance public awareness of child rights and legal protections. A collaborative initiative for child protection The workshop was led by Mr. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Head of the Public Prosecution, and attended by Her Excellency Hanadi Al Yafei, Director-General of CSD, alongside 120 parents and child protection specialists. The session forms part of a series of educational initiatives that CSD will implement across various locations in Sharjah throughout the year. In her address, Al Yafei underscored the importance of child protection, describing it as a 'triangle of safety' that consists of awareness, legal safeguards, and a secure environment. She stated: 'Raising awareness is the first step in equipping children with the knowledge and tools to recognise and respond to risks. Laws serve as the structural framework that protects them from neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Lastly, a safe environment—whether at home, in school, or in public spaces—ensures children grow up with confidence and security.' She further emphasised the UAE's leadership in enacting progressive child protection laws, citing key legislative measures such as the Child Rights Law (2016, amended in 2024) and the Compulsory Education Law (2022). However, she noted that 'Awareness of the law is not solely the duty of security institutions and legal professionals; it is incumbent upon every family, educator, and community member.' Key themes and preventive measures The session highlighted the family's role as the first line of defense in child protection and explored various rights enshrined in UAE law, including health, social, educational, and cultural rights, as well as the right to a safe environment. Discussions also addressed risks such as neglect, physical or psychological abuse, and economic exploitation. Participants were urged to report any suspected violations immediately to ensure prompt intervention. Additionally, the workshop provided actionable steps to prevent child endangerment, advising parents against leaving children unattended, allowing them to interact with strangers in unsupervised settings, or permitting unsafe activities such as playing near roads or high balconies. Security measures for park supervisors and public space monitors were also reinforced, given their role in ensuring child safety in recreational areas. Community vigilance and support Recognising the collective responsibility in child protection, the initiative equipped participants with clear guidance on identifying warning signs and reporting child safety concerns through the confidential Child Helpline (800700). The session concluded with a strong call for community-wide involvement in upholding child rights, reinforcing that a safe and informed society is key to ensuring the well-being of all children.
Jordan Times
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Save the Children Jordan calls for enhanced awareness, prevention on Safer Internet Day
AMMAN — On the occasion of Safer Internet Day, Save the Children Jordan called for enhanced awareness and prevention programmes to create a safer digital environment for children and adolescents. In a statement to The Jordan Times, the organisation emphasised that "protecting children online is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts across all sectors." It also stressed the importance of continuously updating legislation to address evolving digital threats. The organisation also said that while national laws provide a foundation for child protection, it warned that legal measures must be regularly updated to address emerging risks. The Child Rights Law includes provisions to safeguard children from cybercrimes, and the Cybercrime Law imposes stricter penalties, including hard labour and fines of up to 45,000 JOD, for online abuse and exploitation. The organization also called for "the establishment of a survivors' compensation fund to support children and adolescents affected by cybercrime." The fund would provide essential psychological and social support services for victims. Save the Children Jordan also urged policymakers to strengthen digital data protection, improve the handling of digital evidence, and officially recognise cyberbullying and online abuse as distinct crimes. A study published by Save the Children Jordan in November 2024 highlighted growing concerns about children's online safety. The findings revealed that 15.8 per cent of children aged 10 to 17 had experienced online violence, with cyberbullying, hacking, extortion, and harassment being the most common threats. The study also found that 75 per cent of parents were unaware that their children had been subjected to online abuse, and only 9 per cent reported using parental control applications. Save the Children Jordan also proposed several measures to improve online safety, including digital literacy programmes for children, adolescents, and families; integrating digital safety education into school curricula; and launching nationwide media campaigns to raise awareness. The organisation also recommended providing clearer guidance for adolescents on protecting personal data, recognising online threats, and using parental controls, filtering systems, secure search engines and antivirus software. Save the Children Jordan also called for training sessions to equip parents and caregivers with the skills necessary to ensure their children's online safety. It also suggested that the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, and media outlets take a more active role in promoting digital safety initiatives.
