Abu Dhabi: The Higher Committee for Child Protection at the Ministry of Interior has urged parents to be mindful of their children’s safety during the Eid Al Adha holidays and avoid leaving them unattended.
Potential risks include parents losing track of their children while they are busy exchanging Eid greetings with friends and relatives and leaving children in cars while shopping for Eid, which could lead to suffocation.
The ministry will also intensify its safety efforts at public locations over the holidays, with an increased presence of police and security personnel.
Major General Dr Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuami, secretary-general of the Office of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Child Protection, said the ministry was taking measures to make sure that the holidays passed without major incidents.
“The Ministry of Interior is exerting tremendous efforts to provide distinguished services according to the best international standards, in order to enhance the public’s trust and increase their satisfaction.”
“The ministry is also making unstinting efforts to promote protection and security of children, by enhancing community members’ awareness about security and safety requirements, and supporting efforts aimed at protecting children against potential challenges and risks,” he added.
Major Dr Mohammad Khalifa Al Ali, director of the Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Centre, explained that the centre was involved in spreading awareness about the potential dangers that could occur during the holidays.
“Children are a responsibility and we are bound to protect them and keep them out of harm’s way,” he said.
Maj Al Ali added that emergency services will be on call and ready to provide assistance in any situation. Parents have been urged to immediately call in should they need help.
