RIYADH: Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah yesterday launched a nationwide campaign against child abuse at the opening of a regional conference on child protection.
“We want to ensure every Arab child is protected from violence and abuse,” he said, adding the national campaign would create awareness among parents as well as children.
The three-day conference, entitled “The Third Arab ISPCAN Regional Conference on Child Protection: Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect in the Arab Countries,” is being held under the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. Its theme is “Working Together For a Safer Childhood.”
Members of the royal family, ministers, senior government officials and families attended the inaugural ceremony. Dr. Bandar Kenawi, chief executive officer of the King Abdul Aziz City for National Guard Health Affairs, delivered the welcome address while AGFUND Chairman Prince Talal spoke on the contribution of his organization toward protecting children in the Arab world.
Al-Rabeeah pointed out that Saudi Arabia is one of signatories to the UN Convention on the Rights of Child. This convention defines a child as any person under the age of 18, and prohibits putting on trial as adults anyone who commits a crime as a minor.
The Kingdom pays special attention to the protection of children in accordance with the principles laid down by Islam, the minister said, adding that country recently witnessed outstanding achievements in this regard.
“The generous support of the government for this event reflects the leadership’s recognition and our responsibility toward securing a safe future for children in all parts of the world, particularly in the Arab region,” he said.
The National Family Safety Program (NFSP) in collaboration with the International Society For Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) and the National Guard Health Affairs sponsors the conference.
Established in November 2005 by a royal decree, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah directly funds the NFSP and its functions are streamlined through the National Guard Health Affairs. Princess Seetah bint Abdul Aziz and Princess Adela bint Abdullah lead the NSFP.
Dr. Maha Al-Muneef, executive director of NFSP, said protecting children from violence has become a national priority in many Arab countries. She added that policymakers, experts and professionals from all related disciplines should support each other in building national protection strategies.
Al-Muneef, who is also the conference director, said the forum is a unique opportunity for professionals from all over the world to present and exchange scientific research and advancements in the field of child maltreatment.
She said the program is aimed at fighting domestic violence and defending the rights of victims through awareness and partnerships. The program has also organized an art competition for children. “This contest promotes children’s participation in activities related to their rights and protection against violence,” she said.
More than 60 local, regional and international speakers will present scientific papers during the event. Today’s session will commence with a welcome address by Princess Adela. During the second session chaired by Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Swailem, WHO regional director Dr. Hussein Jezairy will speak on “Violence Against Children in Arab Countries,” while UNICEF Gulf Area Representative Dr. Riyadh Abu Laban will dwell on his organization’s global strategy on child protection.
The other topics tabled for discussion include traditional and new forms of child abuse and exploitation, causes and consequence of child abuse and neglect, and the role of organizations in preventing such abuse.
