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FNC passes new child protection law

The bill, called Wadeema’s Law, was drafted by the Federal Government after a girl child was brutally murdered and dumped in the desert by her father.

The Federal National Council on Wednesday passed the new child protection law, approved earlier by the Federal Cabinet, after a heated debate.

Federal National Council member Ahmed Mohammed Rahmah Al Shamsi participating in the debate at FNC meeting on Wednesday. -KT Photo By Nezar Balout

The bill, called Wadeema’s Law, was drafted by the Federal Government after a girl child was brutally murdered and dumped in the desert by her father and his girlfriend in 2011 when a children’s protection law was awaiting approval.

Wadeema’s gruesome murder prompted to expedite the proceedings for the approval and implementation of the law to help protect children. After the news of Wadeema’s death that became a national debate, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, urged the policymakers and legislators to speed up the proceedings to introduce the law at the earliest.

Chaired by Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, the meeting was attended by Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, and Dr Hadef Johan Al Dhaheri, Minister of Justice. Most of the members were in favour of changing the name of Wadeema’s Law into Child Rights despite Al Roumi’s arguments that the name of the bill should be retained. However, the house voted against it and finally agreed to call the long-awaited law as Child Rights. The draft with minor amendments from the house will be referred to the Federal Cabinet for its final approval and then for Presidential ascent for implementation.

“His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid suggested the Wadeema’s law in the memory of the little girl. This emphasises and reminds us all of the tragic crime and warn those who are involved in such brutal and tragic crimes of the severe punishments,” Al Roumi told the house.

However, most of the members were unanimous in their opinions that the original name of the law would be a nightmare for the country as it would remind the killing of the innocent eight-year-old girl.

They were also unanimous that the change of the name to Child Rights would protect Wadeema’s family and other children.

The law was earlier referred to an in-house committee to discuss its pros and cons and make the necessary amendments that would better help protect children. The committee after reviewing it presented its report in the house on Wednesday. The council passed the bill and finally named it the Child Rights.

During her arguments, Al Roumi also suggested that the house could name it as “Wadeema’s Law for Child Rights”, but was rejected by the house, insisting on the new name suggested by it.

Member Mossabeh Al Kitbi argued the name of Wadeema’s Law would affect the image of the country in a negative manner.

“We should remove Wadeema’s name as it could send a wrong message to the international community. Child Rights would be more effective internationally,” he argued.

He was seconded by another member, Ahmed Al Shamsi, who said the country and its people should not be reminded of such gruesome acts.

“Naming the law Wadeema could be harmful to her family as we live in a small country. It was a big, big tragedy and should not be reminded at all,” he said.

Member Ahmed Al Mansouri said that it should be called Child Rights. “Let’s make it officially. This new name can still be in memory of Wadeema,” he told the house.

The council finally agreed to Child Rights and approved the law.

The other topics discussed during the session also included the issue of setting up a dispute resolving panel at Al Dhaid Court, issues of health services and government social services for the nationals.

nissar@khaleejtimes.com