Rooting out violence against children
SHARJAH: Sharjah Baby Friendly OFICE (SBFO) In Collaboration with Sharjahchildhoodprotectionnetwork (SCPN) hosted a training workshop on the issue of violence against children. THE session Formed part of THE ofice’s efforts to develop mechanisms that provide for the protection of young people and to explore ways to counter and eliminate the maltreatment of minors.
Held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sharjah on Thursday, the workshop aimed to examine the root causes of the phenomenon of child abuse and violence, including its nature, impact on children’s mental states and its effect on the entire community. Presented by Jordanian child protection expert Dr. Hani Jahshan, the workshop examined the patterns of child abuse and how to prevent it, through a series of interactive discussion sessions and practical examples from real-life cases.
Dr. Hessa Al Ghazal, Executive Director of SBFO, said, “This workshop has been organised as part of a comprehensive strategic plan being implemented by the emirate of Sharjah to meet the requirements of the Child Friendly City title - part of the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative that aims to make a direct positive impact on children in the cities where they live.”
Al Ghazal added, “The workshop’s themes align perfectly with the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. Their longstanding vision is to create a healthy social, cultural and educational environment for children and youth in the emirate, which will enable them to develop their skills and talents in various domains.”
Sheikha Bulhoul, Chairman of SCPN’S Board of Trustees, said, “This workshop aims to provide greater protection for children. Our workshops contribute to the exchange of knowledge, improving skill sets of those who work with children and strengthens the connection between institutions in order to coordinate national efforts to combat all forms of child abuse.”
Aisha Abdullah Bin Ali, SCPN’S Director, said, “We know today that some children are born into environments where they are regularly exposed to violence, neglect or some other form of abuse. We devised this workshop to come up with a set of strategic guidelines that serve as a roadmap for those concerned with child protection because children’s safety is a national and humanitarian duty.”
Dr. Hassan Al Bilawi, SecretaryGeneral of the Arab Council for Childhood and Development, said, “Our presence HERE relects our ACTIVE Cooperation with THE SHARJAH BABY Friendly OFICE AND our partnership with the UNICEF.”
Essam Ali, Social Policy Specialist At UNICEF Gulf AREA OFICE, SAID, “THE workshop’s timing was signiicant As It coincidedwithinternationalchildren’sday celebrated on November 20 of each year.”
Praising Sharjah’s efforts in establishing a child friendly environment, Ali commended the crucial role both the SCPN and SBFO are playing to build the capacity of child protection professionals. He also pointed out that UNICIFF seeks to implement a future plan with SCPN to promote awareness about the Wadeema Child Protection Law.