Fatima Singhateh, A Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, affirmed in a statement issued at the end of her 11-day visit to the UAE that the country has made significant progress in promoting and protecting children’s rights since the last visit by a previous rapporteur in 2009, with many positive changes aligning with her predecessor’s recommendations.
UAE Made Major Achievements in the Protection of Children Rights
She noted that the government and its partners have made considerable efforts recently.
Moreover, she praised the major achievements that have already been realized.
She expressed hope that her visit and the upcoming report would help support the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection measures.
The international expert commended the UAE’s efforts to improve its political, legal, and institutional frameworks related to child protection Including the 2016 Child Rights Law, known as “Wadeema’s Law”.
Child Protection Entities
She also highlighted the presence of multiple child protection entities such as:
- The Child Protection Center under the Ministry of Interior,
- Social support centers,
- The Child Protection Unit under the Ministry of Education.
During her visit, the Special Rapporteur toured several facilities, including:
- The Child Center in Abu Dhabi,
- Dubai Foundation for Women and Children,
- Dar Al Aman Shelter in Ras Al Khaimah,
- The Protection Foundation for Women and Children in Ajman,
- Kanaf Center in Sharjah.
Multi-disciplinary Centers to Support Children Rights in the UAE
Singhateh emphasized that many of the institutions she visited serve as multi-disciplinary centers.
Those centers bring together various stakeholders in child protection and provide comprehensive, integrated support services to children.
This, she said, helps reduce the risk of psychological trauma.
She expressed her satisfaction with the broader implementation of these good practices.
It is worth noting that the Special Rapporteur will present a full report to the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2026.
