UAE launches initiative to raise awareness on child laws

Dubai - The initiative comprises yet another step in the UAE's developmental agenda.

The Child Safety Campaign (CSC), a subsidiary of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has launched 'Responsible Media. Safe Child' initiative, to reinforce the role of the media in protecting the rights of children.
Targeting all forms of media, including print, audio, visual, social and online, Child Safety Campaign is calling on news outlets, commentators and influencers to uphold and improve standards when addressing issues involving children and the importance of observing Emirati laws regarding the potential psychological, physical, and social impact the content might have on a child's future.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, communicated a message to all members of Emirati society and media professionals in the UAE, stating: "The wellbeing of children is a guarantee of the future of the whole of the UAE, and any disruption in this case will adversely affect the nation's human capital, obstruct its developmental agenda and the advancement of civilisation. We are all therefore responsible for ensuring that children are safe and cared for, whether as individuals, government or private entities, or as media professionals."
She added: "Media organisations play an essential and honourable role in driving our development, and in shaping the mindsets of the future generations. Today, this initiative reflects the significant cooperation and joint efforts between media and childcare organisations, and the UAE's vision that rests on the principles of integration and complementarity in all initiatives and endeavours."
Sheikha Jawaher noted that institutional efforts must be strongly supported by families and individuals, and pointed out that parents must be mindful of the content they share about their children to either boast their achievements, or put up spontaneous or embarrassing moments experienced by them to attract attention. These actions may jeopardise children's rights, and affect their psychological, physical and social safety.
Hanadi Saleh Al Yafei, department director at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and head of the organising committee of the Child Safety Campaign, said: "The initiative comprises yet another step in the UAE's developmental agenda in general and Sharjah's directions in particular, to protect children and provide them with highest standards of safety.
"The UAE hosts over 40 childcare and protection organisations and is a leader across the Gulf and Arab region in implementing measures that protect children's rights. It was one of the first signatories of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which it ratified on December 15, 1996."
The CSC has forged partnerships with a number of national and local media entities to develop a charter that ensures all newspapers, TV channels, radio stations and news websites adhere to a code of publishing conduct covering child-related topics.
The campaign has partnered with several entities and media organisations who support its goals, including the UAE Ministry of Community Development as a Strategic Partner; National Media Council; Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal Consultants; UAE Journalists Association; Consultative Council of Sharjah; Sharjah Government Media Bureau; Sharjah Baby Friendly Office; Sharjah Press Club; Abu Dhabi Media; Dubai Media Incorporated; Sharjah Media Corporation; and digital news platforms.

 What does the campaign target?