NIZWA, SEPT 30
As part of the Ministry of Social Development’s efforts to boost child protection and safeguard children's rights, Nizwa hosted a seminar focused on preventing child abuse in line with existing legislation. The seminar, organised by the General Directorate of Social Development in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, took place at the Studies and Research Centre at Nizwa Hospital.
It was held under the auspices of Shaikh Saleh bin Dhiyab al Rubaiee, Wali of Nizwa, and attended by a significant number of experts from social, legal, and educational fields.
The symposium centred around three key areas, each explored through presentations by specialists.
Saud bin Mohammed al Azri, Assistant Public Prosecutor, presented a working paper on the child law, outlining the penalties for individuals who commit abuse against children.
He emphasised that Omani law aligns with international standards for child protection and stressed the importance of strict enforcement of these laws to ensure the safety of children.
Dr Kholoud bint Ahmed al Obaidaniyah, an educational expert and member of the Family Advisory Council, discussed the critical role families play in shielding children from abuse.
She highlighted that the family serves as the first line of defence, underscoring the importance of awareness and proper upbringing in creating a safe and nurturing environment for children.
Said bin Ibrahim al Naabi, Director of the Family Development Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, addressed the social responsibilities involved in protecting children.
He outlined the major challenges facing child protection and stressed the importance of collaboration between families and government institutions to ensure a secure environment for children to thrive in.
Dr Kafalah bint Hamoud al Omeriyah, Assistant Director of the Family Development Department, emphasised the ongoing need to develop preventive strategies to safeguard children.
She noted that the ministry had previously identified several cases of child abuse, which led to the formation of specialised teams to study these cases and provide support to affected families.
In addition to legal aspects, the seminar focused on fostering partnerships between government entities and society to enhance child protection efforts.
Specialists and participants called for coordinated action and the exchange of expertise among the concerned parties to ensure comprehensive protection for children in various circumstances.
A key point of discussion was the need to raise awareness among professionals in sectors such as education and healthcare about children’s rights, enabling them to identify and respond to any cases of abuse they may encounter while working with children.
The seminar served as a call to action for every member of society to contribute to child protection. The collective responsibility of safeguarding children is crucial for building a future generation that grows up in a safe, supportive environment, with their dignity and rights fully respected.
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