The UAE has a strong child protection law called Wadeema Law. This law was created to protect the rights and well-being of all children living in the country. It’s named after a tragic case from 2012 when a young girl named Wadeema was ab*sed and k*lled by her father, sparking nationwide outrage. In response, the UAE leadership worked on a law that would ensure children’s safety, which officially came into effect in 2016.
What Does Wadeema Law Cover?
Wadeema Law ensures that children have the right to safety, education, healthcare, and protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The law also makes it clear that parents, schools, and other institutions have a duty to report any signs of child abuse or neglect. Strict penalties are in place for anyone who violates these protections, helping create a safe environment for children in the UAE.
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Places Where Children Are Not Allowed
According to Article 3 of the law, children are banned from certain dangerous places to keep them safe. These include:
- Nightclubs for adults
- Smoking areas
- Hazardous chemical labs
- High-temperature factories and ovens
- Quarries and mines
- Workshops with dangerous machinery
- Places of war or natural disasters
- Areas where weapons, explosives, or toxic chemicals are made
- Waste recycling sites
- Areas with dangerous diseases or electromagnetic interference
- Shops that sell adult-only materials
However, school visits to some of these places can be allowed with approval from the Ministry of Education, as long as the activities follow the rules.
Safety Rules for Accompanying Children
If a child is taken to a place not listed as dangerous, parents and supervisors must:
- Make sure the child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being is protected
- Follow the safety rules set by the place
- Consider the child’s age and understanding to ensure they’re ready for the experience
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Age Restrictions in Cinemas and Other Venues
Wadeema’s Law also requires cinemas, TV channels, and other venues to clearly display age restrictions in both Arabic and English. These establishments must check a child’s age before allowing them to see a film or material to ensure it is age-appropriate.
This law is a major step in keeping children safe and protecting their rights in the UAE.