Highlight on the New UAE Child Protection Law

By Ashraf El Motei

Parents have welcomed the UAE’s new child protection law which is a pivotal source to help providing children and youngsters a safer and happier living in the UAE.

President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed has issued Federal Law No. [3] of the year 2016, so called “Child Rights Law”and also known as “Wadeema Law” with reference to  the tragic case of the victim child “Wadeema” who was tortured to death by her father.

The new law which was published in the UAE Official Gazette on 15 March 2016 shall enter into effect on 15 June 2016. Its Executive Regulations shall be issued within six (6) months from its publication.

Most Important Features  

The Law shall apply to all children below the age of eighteen (18) years no matter what their race, nationality, country of residence, religion, social level, or disability.

The Law prohibits the employment of children before the age of fifteen (15) years old, or their exploitation in any economic activities which would endanger them. It also prohibits smoking in closed areas in the presence of children, and the sale of tobacco and alcohol for children below the age of eighteen (18) years.

Any child who doesn’t have solvent breadwinner or source of income shall have the full support of the State. Also, a child who is deprived of the environment of a natural family, permanently or temporarily, shall have the right to alternative care through either a foster family or, in the event of no foster family, a public/ private social care institution.

The child shall have right to education and development in all fields. The State shall take all necessary measures to prevent dropout, to prohibit all forms of violence in educational institutions, and to develop the educational system including kindergarten.

The child shall have the right to knowledge, means of creativity and innovation. For such purpose, the child shall participate in entertainment, cultural, artistic and scientific programs which are suitable for his/ her age.

Managers of cinemas and TV broadcast channels shall be obliged to post announcements prohibiting children from entry or stating that there would be scenes that are not suitable for children, in visible and clear areas.

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