The UAE recognises family as the very foundation of society, and heavily invests in the next generation. Since ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1997, the UAE has reinforced its commitment to upholding and protecting children’s rights with legislation that empowers children to grow and develop their full capabilities.
The UAE’s Constitution underscores the importance of family as the cornerstone of society, and includes a number of protections to safeguard the rights of children.
The UAE is also proud to have introduced a wider national legislative framework to protect children’s rights.
In 2012, a significant event marked a turning point in the UAE's approach to child protection legislation. This was the year when a tragic incident occurred involving a girl named Wadeema, who was abused and killed by her father. This incident prompted the UAE’s leadership to initiate a legal workshop which culminated in the introduction of Wadeema's Law in 2016, a comprehensive child protection law that marked a milestone in the UAE's legislative history.
In recent years, the UAE government has established a number of national bodies aimed at supporting the rights of children in various sectors.
The UAE is committed to supporting the rights of children worldwide through a comprehensive humanitarian aid programme – which has included investing in overseas hospitals, distributing medicines and widening educational opportunities across borders.