Press Release - ‘From Expression to Action: Amplifying Children’s Voice
Abu Dhabi, 23 November 2023: The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) in collaboration with the Permanent Committee for Human Rights (PCHR) and the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC) held an event to commemorate World Children’s Day titled ‘From Expression to Action: Amplifying Children’s Voices’. The event was attended by members of the Federal National Council, members of the diplomatic corps, the UN Resident Coordinator and other UN representatives in the UAE, members of the PCHR, representatives of child protection agencies, civil society, students and children.
In her opening speech, Her Excellency Al Reem Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, stated that the issue of human rights in general, and children's rights in particular, is not something new. We have been committed to preserving these rights since the dawn of history. The founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan set the foundations for children’s welfare. This approach is taken forward by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
Her Excellency emphasised the role of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC) which was launched by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 2003. The Council is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. It is responsible for supervising the national strategy for managing all aspects related to motherhood and childhood and aims to raise the level of care and support provided to mothers and children in various sectors. The Council has also launched a number of programmes, initiatives, and strategies in cooperation with its partners to promote children’s rights.
Her Excellency added that this fireside chat has given the Council the opportunity to emphasise the importance of maintaining these rights by following the path set by the nation’s leaders to enhance the systems of child protection and the safeguarding of their rights.
Her Excellency affirmed: “This session reflects the strength of our global partnerships and shared commitment to the wellbeing of children in a world rich with diversity and shared challenges. The role of international cooperation and legal frameworks became more crucial than ever.” Her Excellency also pointed out the necessity of following the principles and values embraced by the UAE, in addition to collaboration with global institutions. Her Excellency added: “Our aim is to nurture future generations to not only be a source of pride for the UAE, but also to become active contributors to a world that values peace, dignity, and the universal rights of every child.”
Her Excellency highlighted the role of the family in imbuing children with an awareness of their rights and the importance of preserving them, and emphasised the significance of returning to the values of past generations, focusing on family care, traditions, and ethics, which have shaped the UAE into the tolerant and peace-seeking nation it is today.
His Excellency Nickolay Mladenov welcomed the launch of the series and stated: “Today’s event serves as a platform to embark on this profound journey. Participants will explore strategies, methodologies, and uplifting narratives illustrating how nurturing and amplifying children's voices can yield tangible, positive outcomes. By embracing and celebrating the diverse spectrum of these expressions, we lay the foundation for a society actively attuned to the perspectives of its youngest members.”
The event brought together members of the Children’s Advisory Council and the Emirati Children’s Parliament to share their perspective on children’s rights, discuss the participatory processes available to them and share their experiences in the implementation of the CRC in practice.
Shahd Al Suboosi, Head of the Children Advisory Council, affirmed the United Arab Emirates' commitment to children's rights, noting that the Children Advisory Council, which is affiliated with the Office of the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, plays a vital role in enhancing the rights and well-being of children in the UAE. This council acts as an effective platform for engaging children in processes that affect their lives and seeking their advice, ensuring they have an active voice in decision-making.
Al Suboosi added that through representing and expressing children's opinions, the council has contributed to developing policies and programs that meet the needs and aspirations of children, playing a significant role in raising awareness about children's rights and providing necessary tools for developing their communication and critical thinking skills. This prepares a generation capable of effectively contributing to society.
Abdullah Badr Al Ali, former member of the UAE Parliament for Children and Chairman of the Committee on Education, Youth, Sports, Culture, and Media, stated that the country has provided high-quality education and comprehensive healthcare for children, leading to improved life quality and skill development. He pointed out that educational programs encourage thinking and creativity, helping children and their peers explore their talents and boost their self-confidence.
Al Ali praised the efforts in the UAE to provide a healthy growth environment for children through opportunities for play, sports, and artistic activities, which are essential for mental and physical development. He affirmed that the UAE has built a strong foundation for the children's future, focusing on investing in the next generation by providing platforms for children to express their opinions and participate in community initiatives, encouraging them to take an active role in society and develop leadership skills, which will help build a prosperous future for the UAE and its children.
Ghaya Al Ahbabi, UNICEF Youth Ambassador to COP28, emphasised children’s right to a healthy, safe, and sustainable environment is one of the UAE’s fundamental priorities. Al Ahbabi added that the UAE is one of the leading countries to have adopted legislations and international policies to preserve the environment and is working towards establishing major projects on renewable energy and managing natural resources in sustainable ways.
Al Ahbabi also stated that the Council declared that the theme for this year’s Emirati Children's Day is 'The Child's Right to a Safe and Sustainable Environment'. Al Ahbabi added that she observes the UAE’s endeavours in spreading awareness in schools through programmes that educate children on the importance of preserving the environment, and encouraging them to take meaningful steps through practical activities and initiatives. Al Ahbabi then noted that the UAE has organised various activations and international conferences to discuss sustainability, which reflects its commitment towards international cooperation in this matter.
Al Ahbabi received the Environmental Award for Children, presented by the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. She founded a team called the Green Sprouts Team, which focuses on sustainability, initiating campaigns, and conducting workshops related to this matter.
From her side Dr. Christine Bakker, academic expert in children’s rights added an additional perspective on key priorities and outstanding issues in this field at the global level, especially on the world’s progress in the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
Dr Bakker said: ‘It was a real pleasure to take part in the conversation today, and it was especially interesting to hear from the youth representatives, Shahad and Abdullah, how children in the UAE can make their voices heard and exercise their right to participation, as foreseen by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. I was also impressed by their frankness about what could be done to further improve children’s say in matters that affect their day-to-day lives. I think it is very encouraging that the PCHR and AGDA have taken up the initiative to organise this public conversation about children’s rights, and upcoming similar events on human rights more generally. The British Institute of International and Comparative Law is pleased to provide conceptual input for these discussions, since they are extremely important to raise public awareness about human rights.”
The session, moderated by Hind Alowais, Director of the Permanent Committee for Human Rights, recalled the theme of World Children’s Day “For every child, every right”, and highlighted the UAE’s commitment to promote and protect the rights of children and ensure their participation in decisions that shape their future.
This fireside chat is the first in a series of events addressing various human rights-related topics, with a view to stimulating a greater understanding of human rights, the progress achieved, and strategies for further advancements in the UAE.