Unanswered questions
These are very shocking instances of child abuse (‘Child abuse: Facing up to a bruised conscience,’ Gulf News, February 9). It is very alarming and sad that the young are no longer safe in their own houses and in the hands of their own parents. I wonder to whom these innocent children complain. Where can they go to shield their body from pain? What worse can these adults do if they can go to the extent of hurting their own offspring? How does the child tolerate the pain? How many tears go unnoticed? How many screams go unheard? How many cases go unreported? Such cases happen at home, authorities and others who can help have no access to gather proof against the ruthless parents. Thus, many of such incidents remain under cover. It may be suggestive to have social workers visit every family at least twice a year and inform the youth of their rights. There should be a hotline number for the younger half of the society. There needs to be a new law that gives tough punishments to such violent parents.
From Ms Corazon Tarcena
UAE
Helpline for children
This news broke my heart. I decided to write hoping that it might make a difference. What this father did is not only a crime but a sin. In my opinion, the one who commits a sin is a sinner, but the one who watches and keeps silent about it is a sinner too. In this case the mother should stand up for the right. She should not be paranoid of a man who can shout and get angry. No matter what, the mother should raise her voice as she has the right too and no one can abuse her rights. It’s high time that women and children speak up for their rights. Silence is not a remedy or a cure or a way to keep the husband happy and safe. The solution to such problems of society is education. The school going children should me trained and coached on calling for help, from the very young ages. There should be a helpline number just for children, to report such abuses. The authorities must have a system to track the location of the number the child is calling from, as he/she might not be able to explain the location and situation. The schools must not only keep give out the emergency numbers to children but also work with them to bring an end to child abuse.
From Ms Nazneen Nasseri
UAE
Trash responsibly
According to a report I recently read, Dubai generates an average of 8,000 tonnes of waste every day with each resident contributing about 2.7 kilograms, which translates into almost 1,000 kilograms per person every year. Recently my dishwasher stopped working and it was too expensive to repair. So I decided to trash it. Since I was aware of the Dubai Municipality’s waste collection programme, I called them up and informed them about it. Believe me, within half an hour, the efficient team was at my doorstep to collect my broken dishwasher. Through this letter, I want to inform everyone that instead of dumping your furniture or any other unwanted items into the garbage bins; you can simply call the dedicated municipality team. As it is said ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,’ this way, we can contribute in making Dubai a greener city.
From Ms Radha Hari
Dubai
Is it safe?
I had to reply to this article and share my experience on the general safety of children and pedestrians in the UAE (‘Child’s pool slip puts a dampener on park,’ Gulf News, February 9). Having worked within the field of Health, Safety & Environmental Engineering (HSE) for over two decades, I constantly observe a lack of safety provisions. I am certain that this shortcoming of safety provision is not intentional, but rather an oversight based upon the lack of HSE knowledge. Not identifying locations and building, I can assure you that I have observed numerous HSE hazards that could easily be rectified. Some of these hazards can affect pedestrians in particular areas. However, I am certain that the government will take a pro-active stance on creating and enforcing HSE regulations once they become aware of them. With regard to safety, it is our civil duty to protect everyone from hazardous conditions; especially children.
From Mr Mark J Walber
UAE
Mind the gaps
I would like to draw the attention of concerned authorities towards the large gaps in the fence near Abu Dhabi Corniche. While walking at the corniche I am more concerned than relaxed, trying to be cautious of these gaps. This keeps me from enjoying my walks. I am an adult but the risk of slipping into these gaps is higher for children. I hope the authorities look into it. I am looking forward to a safer and happier stay in Abu Dhabi.
From Mr Vinod Wagh
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Parents responsibility
The safety barrier is not to be blamed. The parents or the housemaids who accompany the children are to be blamed. Young children should not be left unaccompanied. If the elders are coming to relax by the pool, they should come alone. If they decide to bring kids, they must never turn their attention away from their children. I’m writing this letter to spread awareness amongst the adults that their children need more attention. I often see housemaids outside villas and under buildings, chatting amongst themselves and not giving full attention to the children. On streets I see parents walking ahead while their children walk carelessly behind them. The parents turn around and ask their children to walk faster; instead they should be holding their hands and walking with them.
From Mr V P Abraham
Abu Dhabi
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