Over 35,000 children aided by Sharjah’s Kanaf child protection centre for victims of abuse

Sharjah: More than 35,000 children and 20,000 parents have received legal, psychological, and social support at Kanaf, the UAE’s first-of-its-kind child protection centre based in Sharjah.

The figures were revealed during a visit to the centre by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Judicial Council on Wednesday, where he reaffirmed the emirate’s strong commitment to child protection and social welfare.

“Kanaf is an integrated social and developmental model that embodies Sharjah’s vision of creating an environment that addresses the psychological and social needs of children,” he said during a meeting with the Higher Committee overseeing the centre.
“We remain committed to ensuring its sustainability and the ongoing enhancement of its services in line with the highest international standards.”

He described child protection as “a profound human responsibility that requires care and the collective efforts of all institutions to create a social environment that respects childhood and nurtures a sense of belonging and security.”

“In Sharjah, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and with the support of his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, we view child protection not as a routine administrative task, but as a humanitarian responsibility,” he added.

Kanaf, meaning protection or care in Arabic, was initiated to protect victims of child abuse in 2019. Since then, it has supported 35,317 children and 20,583 parents, facilitated by 6,639 specialists through 532 initiatives and workshops, Sheikh Sultan was briefed.

Overseen by the Child Safety Department, Kanaf was established under the guidance and support of Sheikha Jawaher with its headquarters officially inaugurated in 2024.

The centre brings together multiple child protection entities under one roof, offering a unified model that streamlines care and builds trust for children and their families. A key feature of the facility is the “Child Journey”—a carefully structured series of steps including forensic interviews, psychological care, and medical treatment—all conducted in a space designed for the child’s comfort and privacy.

During the briefing, the centre also showcased Kanaf’s extensive research and outreach efforts. These include a large-scale survey covering 98% of children in Sharjah’s 22 public nurseries, as well as 714 parents and 856 children across the emirate’s cities. Awareness campaigns and child safety studies continue to be a core part of its mission.