Bringing together thought leaders, experts and community members, Abu Dhabi Centre for Sheltering and Humanitarian Care —Ewaa hosted the first edition of its‘Investment in Childhood’ forum, an annual platform dedicated to raising awareness on child rights in Abu Dhabi.

Participants in the forum underlined Abu Dhabi’s integral approach in child protection from violence and abuse. As part of her opening remarks during the virtual event, Her Excellency Sarah Shuhail, Director-General of Ewaa, said that Abu Dhabi leadership “has evidently prioritized the children’s welfare and protection”.

“Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive approach in supporting the child is adopted by theEwaa’s360 Model of Care, which guarantees rehabilitation and empowerment for violence and abuse cases in the Emirate, including children, in addition to its preventive role. Therefore, we are keen to cover the various pivotal aspects that concern the child, along with relevant stakeholders,”she added.

For her part, Aysha Alkaabi, Abu Dhabi’spublic family prosecutor, touched on the advantages of Wadeema law, and how it ensures the child’s development in a safe and healthy environment that meets all his aspirations.

Cairo Arafat, Senior Advisor at Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), stressed on the significance of changing the society’s perceptions towards violence and abuse. She also presented the authority’s child protection programs and projects, in partnership with various stakeholders.

Representing Ewaa, Dr Amina Bin Hammad, Community Education Expert, provided insights on the role of early childhood development programs in mitigating social and economic repercussions of violence and abuse.

While Dr Budoor Al Shehhi, Section Head of Chronic Diseases at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), showcased the centre’s set of initiatives and activities that promote children’s health in Abu Dhabi, according to international best practices.

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