UN Expert Praises UAE’s Progress and Preparedness in Child Protection Efforts

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Mama Fatima Singhateh, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse of children, has commended the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its strong commitment and comprehensive preparedness in the field of child protection.

Speaking at a press conference held at The St. Regis in Abu Dhabi, Singhateh expressed her appreciation for the UAE’s collaborative approach during her official country visit from April 14 to 24. “I am grateful to the government representatives for their excellent collaboration,” she said. “I also thank all interlocutors for their constructive engagement and look forward to receiving the additional data and statistics requested.”

During her visit, Singhateh toured all seven emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Sharjah, and Fujairah—where she met with a broad range of stakeholders including federal and local government authorities, police officials, members of the judiciary, civil society representatives, service providers, and children.

In response to a question from the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Singhateh noted the impressive level of preparedness for her visit. “The presentations were elaborate, detailed, and the officials were open to suggestions,” she said. “What truly matters in the field of child protection is the openness to learn and to adopt constructive recommendations that strengthen ongoing work.”

Singhateh also delivered a preliminary statement highlighting the UAE’s progress since the last visit by a Special Rapporteur in 2009. “The UAE has undergone tremendous improvements in the area of child rights promotion and child protection,” she noted. “Numerous positive developments have been registered over the past 16 years and in line with her recommendations.”

Among the most notable milestones, she highlighted the UAE’s 2016 ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography. In the same year, the country enacted the Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 on Child Rights, commonly referred to as Wadeema’s Law—a landmark legislative achievement aimed at enhancing child protection mechanisms.

The Special Rapporteur also visited a number of specialized institutions that provide care and support to child victims, including the Child Centre in Abu Dhabi; Dubai Foundation for Women and Children; Aman Shelter for Women and Children in Ras Al Khaimah; Himaya Foundation for Woman and Child in Ajman; and Kanaf Centre in Sharjah.

Additionally, Singhateh praised the establishment of the Emirati Children’s Parliament in 2020 by the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, as well as the creation of the Ministry of Family, which underscores the UAE’s holistic approach to child and family welfare.

Her final report to the United Nations Human Rights Council will incorporate the findings and recommendations arising from this mission.