UAE’s move to curb child abuse is noteworthy

I read with interest the excellent

report, Duty for all to blow whis

tle on child abuse (January 19). It is reassuring to know that the UAE is leading the region with its progressive child rights law that has been approved by the Federal National Council in 2014.

In addition, enriching workshops such as the one Austability ran in Dubai with the support of the Government highlights how practical measures are being put in place to raise awareness over the issues of child neglect and abuse.

It’s necessary to work closely with nations that have established mechanisms to combat this problem.

Your report rightly pointed out that it is “everybody’s responsibility to make sure that every child is all right”. There is no excuse for someone looking away.

A uniform standardised course on child safety can be helpful in this regard. All professionals who have contact with children should undergo this training, including doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers, police, park supervisors, social workers, women’s groups and sports coaches.

I am a paediatric dentist who moved to this country from the UK 18 months ago. As an NHS doctor, I was subjected to compulsory child protection and safeguarding courses and was required to complete several levels of training before carrying out my duties. I think it would be useful to emulate the UK model. Iyad Hussein, assistant clinical professor in paediatric dentistry, Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, Dubai