ABU DHABI, 15th March, 2024 (WAM) -- Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) launches official channels for reporting cases related to child protection from people of determination in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
On the occasion of Emirati Children's Day, ZHO announced a community initiative by launching official channels for reporting cases related to child protection from people of determination in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to report cases of suspected abuse that people of determination may face, including an email address (pod.cp@zho.gov.ae), a hotline, and a WhatsApp service for reporting (0542003366). Additionally, there's a dedicated window for employees of the organisation through its internal website regarding people of determination affiliated with the institution. The goal is to ensure the provision of a conducive environment for the healthy and sustainable development of children.
This initiative reinforces the role of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination in protecting and ensuring the well-being of children with determination, affirming the approach of wise leadership and diligent efforts to empower the best interests of the child above all considerations. The service includes preventive measures to provide a safe environment free from all forms of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. This is achieved by activating channels for reporting suspected cases of abuse, monitoring and providing protection, and enhancing the necessary capacities to deal with cases of child abuse from people of determination in coordination with other relevant entities within the framework of shared social responsibility.
As part of its steps to implement the initiative, ZHO has trained 23 of its specialised staff to obtain the status of judicial officers specialising in child protection within the institution. A new job title, Child Protection Specialist, has been introduced and designated for this purpose.
Abdullah Abdul Aali Al Hameedan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, expressed his happiness at launching this initiative on Emirati Children's Day under the slogan "The Right to Protection". He emphasised the efforts made by the country to protect children's rights, stating, "The UAE has prioritised childhood care and attention since the establishment of the Union, and the constitution includes clear provisions affirming that society includes the care of motherhood and childhood, and that the family is the nucleus of society."
Fatima Al Hashemi, a Child Protection Specialist at ZHO, said, “The initiative focuses on the rights of children with determination and aims to ensure the implementation of mechanisms and measures to protect children within the institution, providing a safe environment to protect them from anything that threatens their physical or psychological well-being, and empowering children with their rights, especially the right to protection. This includes adopting a reporting system for cases of suspected abuse of any kind or violations of their rights within the institution's facilities, during their transportation on buses, and during external activities organised by the institution. The initiative also aims to provide protection, social and psychological support, and follow-up care for children and people of determination in cases of abuse.”