Dubai: The UAE has made a lot of gains when it comes to protecting children’s rights and ensuring a better future for them, delegates heard at the Global Child Forum (GCF).
However, there is still room for improvement in the UAE and in the entire region especially after the latest conflicts that have worsened the lives of many children.
In the first (GCF) outside Sweden, the most pressing issues facing children in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) were discussed and brought to the spotlight
Emphasis was given on the current conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Gaza which have left many children in the worst conditions. More children are now victims of violence, poverty, forced migration, and trafficking, said experts speaking on this topic.
On an opening note, Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, mentioned how proud she is of the UAE which has been very active in protecting children’s rights in the country, and in achieving milestones when it comes to guaranteeing a better future for them.
“The UAE is all about the future and the future, of course, is all about children. No country today is devoted to giving children opportunities in helping them realise their potential like the UAE. Like many nations, the UAE is among the countries who has made children a priority, and this makes me proud,” she said.
Outrageous violations
Princess Haya said there is a long history of declarations, resolutions and campaigns “but they have not yielded enough results for children.”
“Yes, there have been many significant milestones made in the world, but we easily overlook some of the most outrageous violations of child’s rights. The most basic right for a child is the right to life, and it has been infringed this year in the Middle East,” she said.
She particularly focused on the conflict in Gaza, and the “worst violation of rights that took place this summer where 490 children were killed, 560 orphaned, and 3,000 injured in Israeli bombardment.”
Following her speech, Queen Silvia of Sweden, who established the GCF with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, said many children might be better off today than before, but at the same time more children are victims of violence and conflict.
“I deeply care about children suffering around the world and we want to find ways to help them and their parents. His majesty and I launched this forum as a platform helping to raise awareness of the right of children. The GCF wants to engage more parts of the civil society to support the future of children,” she said.
Ulf Karlberg, Chairman of the GCF said the goal is to create a sustainable society which children are at the core of it.
Highlighting some statistics, he said the number of children in the 22 countries of the Arab League is almost as many children and young people living in Europe, “which is a good reason for being here today to discuss solutions to the problems facing children in MENA region.”
Other regional and international decision-makers from business, finance, state, academia and civil society also spoke about solutions to improve the children's welfare.
These include ratifying laws protecting children, supporting parents who have children, following global norms, being aware of the issues facing children, and taking action as a whole.
The one-day forum was held under the patronage of Queen Silvia of Sweden and Princess Haya, who is also the chairperson of Dubai Healthcare City Authority and International Humanitarian City.
