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FNC committee studies Wadeema’s law

A parliamentary committee is reviewing a landmark legislation, passed by the Federal Cabinet, to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Salem Al Ameri, head of the Federal National Council’s committee for health, labour and social affairs, said his panel would examine and refine the draft law, which primarily seeks to regulate and guarantee child rights in various fields to secure, stable life and better future. On 8 January 2013, the house referred the 72 article legislation to its committee for further review.

He told a committee meeting that the Government drafted the Wadeema’s Law in memory of the eight-year-old girl starved and tortured to death in Dubai by her father and his girlfriend.

In its explanatory note, the government affirms that all children without distinction have the right to a secure, stable life, permanent care and protection against any risks or abuses.

The interests of children and their needs must take precedence over anything. The new law covers all aspects related to children’s rights, and contains mechanisms that ensure its implementation, as well as punishments that will thwart people whose morals and religious beliefs do not stop them from violating the rights of children.

The government also underlined its commitment to meet his basic needs and rights in the best ways.

Al Ameri said that an action plan was drawn to review the legislation in six meetings during which experts and representatives of entities with an interest in child protection will be summoned to express their opinions and comments so as to have at the end of the day a comprehensive child protection law.

When the little girl’s ordeal came to light last year His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, ordered policymakers to speeded up work to complete the legislation then at the draft stage.

The bill says every child, regardless of his origin, nationality, religion or social status, has the right to a secure life, permanent care and emotional and psychological stability.