Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, said the UAE’s celebration of Emirati Children’s Day on March 15 represents a renewed national milestone that reflects the country’s progressive vision for nurturing children and safeguarding their rights.
He said the occasion highlights the UAE’s comprehensive framework aimed at protecting children and empowering them to become active partners in shaping the future. Al Barout noted that the UAE has established an advanced global model for child protection through an integrated legislative and institutional system, most notably the Child Rights Law, known as “Wadeema’s Law”, issued in 2016.
The law strengthened legal protections for children against neglect, exploitation and violence, while affirming their rights to life, development, healthcare, education and a safe environment.
He explained that the designation of a national day for children came through the initiative of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, widely known as the “Mother of the Nation”, who serves as President of the General Women’s Union and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. The initiative, he said, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, enhancing their wellbeing and ensuring a prosperous future within a cohesive society grounded in human values.
Al Barout added that celebrating the occasion reflects the leadership’s vision of investing in people from their earliest years, following the approach of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in building individuals and developing society. He said the approach continues today under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reinforcing the central role of children in the country’s sustainable development policies.
