Children's rights are an ongoing responsibility, not just a slogan, says head of Sharjah's Child Safety Department

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Hanadi Al Yafei, Director General of the Child Safety Department in Sharjah, said: “On November 20th each year, as we commemorate World's Children's Day, we honour the precious essence of childhood. It is imperative that we firmly acknowledge the urgent necessity of integrating child rights into every dimension of our lives.

Despite the global consensus on children's rights, we must persistently define, clarify, and categorise these rights, remaining vigilant to adapt to evolving cultures and promptly address their impact on the safety and rights of children.

Our commitment, emphasised by this year's slogan: ‘For every child, every right,’ goes beyond mere rhetoric and is an ongoing dedication to establishing both general and specific rights for every child, taking into account their unique circumstances.”

Al Yafei continued: “Built upon CSD's extensive experience in Sharjah, and guided by the visionary leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, and the Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, we assert that safeguarding the rights and well-being of children symbolises the most cherished social and cultural values within our society.

This commitment reflects our vision for both the present and the future. We firmly believe that ensuring child safety is not an isolated responsibility but a collective endeavour, engaging every segment of society and its institutions. Each entity plays a pivotal role in guaranteeing the optimal upbringing of children and promoting awareness and knowledge regarding best practices in dealing with them. This collaborative effort has yielded significant achievements, culminating in the recent inauguration of the Kanaf Centre in Sharjah, bringing together diverse partners to provide specialised care for children.”