WADEEMA: Child protection law in the United Arab Emirates

WADEEMA child protection law in the United Arab Emirates is all about safeguarding the rights of children living in the United Arab Emirates. This law, “Wadeema Child Protection Law”, also known in official protocol as “Federal Law No. 3 of 2016”, exhibits an important landmark in the history of UAE. It is a commitment by the government to safeguard and protect every child and his rights in the territory of United Arab Emirates. We would like to share a little info about its name as well. You can also consult our specialized advocates and legal consultants on this topic.

It is derived from the 8-year-old girl “WADEEMA”. The calamitous death of girl WADEEMA, due to abuse, put the people of UAE, in an extreme state of consternation. After that, it was aimed by the UAE government to make sure, that all the children inside the UAE are safe, sound, healthy, and protected. It was aimed that children in UAE will always be protected from abuse. WADEEMA law is the part of such acts. Now UAE is one of the top countries in the world where women and children are safe. People all over the world prefer to live in the UAE with their families, because of the facilities and safety.

The tragic accident of “WADEEMA” urged a need where it was felt that there must be a law to protect the children in UAE. There were some laws available before as well, but it needed to have a comprehensive law at that moment in time. It is to be clearly understood that the UAE was not without any safety law or child protection law before. There were few laws available before the implementation of the WADEEMA law too. But the WADEEMA law totally changed the scenario and it left nothing behind. 15th March 2016, was the big day when this law was implemented.

It was implemented for all the children in UAE, despite the differences of children of local people and children of expatriates. It has been a phenomenal legislation so far like several other legislations in UAE. The best part is, that it is not just a local centralized law, this is having ties with several global child rights conventions as well. The best example in this regard is UNCRC.

As we said before the first time a very comprehensive law was introduced. Therefore this law has a wide scope that covers all the children rights, it defines all the protections required for children and the healthy environments needed for children. But there are important points as well which should be discussed here:

1. Quality Life:

This is the right of every child to have a quality life. Through this law, it is ensured that every child in UAE will have and must have a protected life. This law ensures that every child must be provided with the quality of life, the basic children’s needs, education, health facilities, and all other reasonable life requirements.

2. Responsibilities on parents:

This new law also defines the children’s rights of their parents and the responsible parenthood for the children. Parents have a responsibility to provide a good and protected life for their children. WADEEMA law defines the parent’s responsibility in a new way.

3. Reporting Obligations:

Through this law, a moral duty is imposed on people that they have to report any suspicious activity, that comes into their knowledge. If they are found not sharing with the authorities about the suspicious activity, they come to know, then they will have to face the consequences like some penalties, fines, or what is decided by the court.

4. Protection from Exploitation:

WADEEMA law also stops child labour, child begging, and child exploitation. Though it was never recorded before in the past, through this law, it has been defined very clearly. The physical and mental well-being of children is among the top priorities in UAE because they are the future nation builders.

5. Legal provisions and penalties:

Many new legal articles and rules have been introduced to support children and their well-being in the UAE. Special courts are introduced. Through this law, strict punishments are also enforced.

6. Government sector and their responsibilities:

Through this law, the responsibilities are also defined. The responsibilities of several government entities are also defined. Government entities or departments are also provided with their complete responsibilities.

WADEEMA law has enhanced child protection in the UAE. It enhances child protection all over the UAE, where the government has a strict check and focus on child safety and wellbeing. UAE has approved that he is very serious while taking the initiatives for children and other people in UAE.