Child Protection Law important

The shocking case of child abuse going through the courts in Abu Dhabi has yet to come to judgment, but it has raised some very important issues that need action.

Firstly, the draft law on child protection should come into force as soon as possible. The present case appears to have been so drastic that the father and stepmother should be liable for prosecution under the Criminal Code, but there will be other less physical cases that will need the future Child Protection Law to allow the police to act.

Secondly, it is also important that the government and public agree that the government has the right to enforce public law in the private space of a family home. The government has the duty to protect every individual's rights, especially if they are being abused by someone in the household.

This broad principle of social enforcement may cover a range of crimes, such as the present case of child abuse, or marital abuse or rape and incest. The principle might extend into areas such as the rights of children to seek education, and even into enforcing servants' rights of employment.

Thirdly, it is important that all members of society should agree that these crimes are not matters to be hidden. If cruelty or abuse is happening, then it needs to be stopped, and the authority of the state should be used to make that happen. That will require people to inform the authorities of cases they think are happening.

Finally, these cases have victims who need to be rescued from their situations, and cherished and brought back to a normal life. Family members will play a vital part in that, but state organisations or specialist help groups should have a formal part to play in helping the victims recover their dignity and trust in humanity.