Latest news with #FatimaAlMarzouqi
Sharjah 24
24-06-2025
- Sharjah 24
SSSD organises 'Enough Violence' forum
Raising awareness of digital risks The event formed part of the department's efforts to raise community awareness about the digital threats facing children amidst widespread internet and social media use. It also highlighted the collective roles of relevant bodies, both locally and internationally, in ensuring a safe digital environment for young people. Opening remarks Fatima Al Marzouqi, Director of the Child and Family Protection Centre at the department, opened the forum, describing it as an interactive platform that fosters institutional and community collaboration. She stressed the importance of creating a safe digital space through awareness, responsible accompaniment, and smart guidance—not through restriction or isolation. She also underlined the need for genuine cooperation across education, legislative, technological, and social sectors to establish digital security as a shared, long-term societal responsibility. Panel discussions The forum included two panel discussions focusing on digital risks, current legislation, and national and international initiatives to protect children in digital spaces. Participants also reviewed real-life institutional experiences and mechanisms to measure their social impact. Digital risks and legal frameworks The first session, titled 'Digital risks and local and international laws for a safe digital environment for children', featured Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Shehhi, Head of Public Prosecution in Sharjah. He outlined the UAE's advanced legal framework to protect children from online violations, referencing key legislation such as Federal Law No. (5) of 2012, which was replaced by Federal Decree Law No. (34) of 2021 on combating rumours and cybercrimes. This law includes specific provisions for child protection and criminalises certain actions, such as luring or grooming children or publishing inappropriate content. Al Shehhi stressed that the effectiveness of these laws depends on institutional and individual awareness, supported by continuous training, media engagement, and curriculum development. UNICEF urges sustainable protection strategies Saji Thomas, Head of Child Protection at UNICEF – Gulf, emphasised the need for an integrated and coordinated approach to child digital safety. While individual initiatives are valuable, he warned they often lack sustainability. He noted that, despite rapid digital growth in the Gulf, the region still requires capacity-building in areas like digital governance, case reporting, and psychological support. Thomas called for more regional cooperation and effective child helplines, as well as investment in specialist training. Digital wellbeing charter In the third segment, Amina Al Hosani, Senior Specialist at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, presented the 'Digital Wellbeing Charter for Children', a leading national initiative developed in partnership with public and private entities to promote children's digital wellbeing. The charter focuses on three goals: protecting children during digital use, safeguarding their privacy, and establishing strategic partnerships. It is based on four principles—high safety standards, prioritising data protection, transparency through voluntary reporting, and joint research investment. Nine global tech companies and five federal and local authorities, including the Ministry of Interior and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, have joined as partners. Al Hosani noted that the charter sets yearly implementation priorities—those for 2025 include monitoring children's digital content, strengthening privacy protection, and supporting innovation in child-friendly tech. Empowering children as awareness ambassadors Concluding the session, Fatima Al Marzouqi presented Sharjah Social Services Department's 'Safe Digital Life Ambassadors' initiative, which trains children to be peer educators in digital safety. Beyond smart device use, the initiative instills leadership and social responsibility, encouraging children to convey awareness messages in a relatable and practical way. The initiative has received positive responses from school administrations that have requested its integration into extracurricular programs, reflecting its effectiveness and alignment with school and community environments.
Sharjah 24
27-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SSSD promotes children's awareness of their rights
International Child Helpline Day The initiative coincides with the International Child Helpline Day. On this occasion, SSSD organises awareness campaigns and a variety of activities targeting government and private schools, as well as child-focused centres across Sharjah. The aim is to highlight the importance of the child helpline in offering protection and support for children. The campaign is delivered by a team of social workers, legal researchers, psychologists, and social educators from the Child and Family Protection Centre, along with the Social Education Department and educators from the Department's branches. These sessions are being held in both public and private schools throughout the emirate. A safe environment that respects dignity The initiative targets 575 children across Sharjah, providing educational and awareness programs designed to inform them of their fundamental rights and empower them to report and seek help in the event of abuse or neglect. This initiative is part of SSSD's broader vision to support all children, including those with disabilities, by raising their awareness within a safe environment that respects their rights and preserves their dignity. The program also aims to help children understand their rights, equip them with the tools they need to protect themselves, and ensure an environment that fosters healthy and safe development. A range of rights are covered Fatima Al Marzouqi, Director of the Child and Family Protection Centre, stated that these awareness programs are part of SSSD's ongoing efforts to safeguard children's rights and increase their awareness. She explained that SSSD is constantly working to provide all necessary means to ensure a decent life for children and to enable their healthy growth so they may become active contributors to society. Al Marzouqi added that the initiative extends beyond the city of Sharjah and includes all cities within the emirate in a comprehensive step targeting child-focused centres to ensure the message reaches children of all backgrounds. She noted that SSSD, through the Child and Family Protection Centre, continues to strengthen its efforts to protect children from all forms of abuse and neglect. This reflects the department's vision of building a safe and supportive community for children. She pointed out that the "I Have a Voice" initiative is one of the specialised programs that contributes to instilling the values of justice, equality, and dignity in children while fostering an ideal environment that guarantees their rights and supports their future aspirations. Focus on children's fundamental rights The program covers a series of core topics that focus on children's fundamental rights. These include the right to a dignified life and government support to meet their basic needs, as well as the right to justice, healthcare, and education to promote equality and ensure equal opportunities. It also addresses protection from abuse and exploitation, the promotion of community safety for children, and the right to express opinions and participate socially key factors in ensuring that children feel empowered and integrated. In addition, it offers special care for children with disabilities tailored to their unique needs and requirements. The program also ensures a balance between protection and leisure by promoting the right to play, recreation, and privacy.
