UAE Establishes Comprehensive Legislative and Judicial Framework to Protect Children in Custody
A landmark conference convened under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has brought together judicial, security and community leaders to strengthen protections for children navigating family disputes.
Under the distinguished patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, a significant conference has underscored the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to safeguarding children whose lives are shaped by family custody arrangements. Organised by the Judicial Training Institute at the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the General Women’s Union, the gathering brought together an assembly of judicial officers, legal scholars, psychological specialists and media professionals to examine the multifaceted dimensions of child protection.
Abdullah Sultan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Federal Judicial Council, affirmed that the nation has constructed an integrated legislative and judicial architecture providing comprehensive protection for children in custody. He emphasised that the wellbeing and healthy development of such children demands genuine coordination amongst all entities engaged with family affairs and the judiciary, with their best interests remaining the paramount consideration whenever family disputes arise.
Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, elaborated upon this vision, explaining that child protection transcends purely legal safeguards to encompass psychological and social stability. She highlighted the Ru’ya Centre for Children in Custody, situated at the General Women’s Union headquarters and operating in partnership with the Judicial Department, which furnishes a secure environment offering comprehensive support to children and their families during turbulent periods.
The conference examined three foundational pillars. The legislative and judicial pillar addressed the legal frameworks governing custody, emerging digital challenges and the prosecution’s role in providing digital protection. The psychological and social pillar focused upon early intervention, identifying the effects of family disputes and fostering security, whilst the institutional and forward-looking pillar addressed preventive measures, including the Post-Separation Family Charter initiative and media responsibility.
Conference deliberations concluded with recommendations establishing a unified mechanism for cooperation amongst judicial, police and community sectors, alongside modernised implementation tools and educational approaches to ensure children’s psychological and social stability under all circumstances.
Source: WAM