Abu Dhabi: The UAE will draw up a list of sex offenders to help combat online child abuse, Abu Dhabi police officials said on Saturday. The list will help authorities to prevent sex offenders from entering the country.
The move comes shortly after the UAE joined the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT), which is an international alliance of law enforcement agencies working to prevent online child abuse. On March 9 the UAE became the first country in the region to partner with VGT, enabling the UAE to participate in sophisticated international operations to monitor and track down perpetrators.
The UAE is also working to develop effective monitoring tools and set up a national child helpline. The dismantling of global paedophile networks, the coordination of covert internet investigations, the sharing of intelligence and targeting of travelling sex offenders are among the global activities of the VGT.
The initiative will significantly enhance the country's commitment to safeguarding children's rights, the Interior Ministry, which is spearheading the initiative, said.
A study is under way to establish a unit to include a sexual offenders list and to draft appropriate legislation and regulations, Major General Nasser Al Nuaimi, Director General of the minister's office, said on Saturday.
A committee will be established at the ministry to develop the level of child protection and awareness against possible dangers due to the internet use and to preserve the rights of children, he said.
The ministry will focus on raising awareness, ensuring appropriate legislation and regulations are in force, establishing national and international partnerships and co-operation; and developing effective monitoring tools and establishing a national child helpline.
Info: Task force objectives
- To make the internet a safer place.
- To identify, locate and help children at risk.
- To hold perpetrators appropriately to account.
