Department of Community Development Unveils Policy to Protect People of Determination

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has launched a new policy aimed at the protection of People of Determination, building upon the foundation laid by the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination, which was unveiled in 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The new policy is a significant step forward in ensuring that people with disabilities in Abu Dhabi have access to the support and protection they need to thrive in society.

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This policy will be activated through a collaborative effort with the Family Care Authority, along with other stakeholders, government bodies, strategic partners, and members of the local community in Abu Dhabi. The initiative's main goal is to safeguard People of Determination from all forms of maltreatment, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination. To achieve this, the policy establishes a unified, systematic mechanism designed to ensure that all People of Determination have access to tailored protection services that address their specific needs.

Central to the policy's implementation is the focus on raising community awareness and emphasizing the importance of early detection, prevention, and reporting of any cases of abuse or neglect. The policy also provides guidance on how to evaluate reported cases and deliver necessary interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of People of Determination.

The Department of Community Development stresses that protecting People of Determination is a shared responsibility. This responsibility extends to families, workers, service providers, and all sectors within society. The policy aims to inform the community about the rights of People of Determination, as well as the mechanisms in place for reporting abuse and supporting these individuals in all aspects of their lives. Additionally, the policy seeks to reduce the behavioral, physical, communication, and institutional barriers that People of Determination may face, ensuring that they can fully participate in society on equal terms with others.

Her Excellency Dr. Layla Abdulaziz Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at DCD, emphasized the importance of safeguarding People of Determination. She explained that the policy was developed with active involvement from the People of Determination and the associations that represent them, ensuring their voices were integral to the process. The goal is to create a comprehensive protection system that directly meets the needs of People of Determination, fostering their integration into society.

Dr. Al Hyas further elaborated that the launch of this policy is an essential part of the broader efforts to enhance the rights of People of Determination and provide them with opportunities to integrate into all facets of life. By eliminating obstacles and encouraging them to achieve their full potential, the policy plays a key role in advancing societal justice and equal access to rights, services, and opportunities.

"Change begins within society," Dr. Al Hyas noted, highlighting the importance of educating individuals and institutions about equality and respect for all societal segments, especially People of Determination. She stressed that the department’s efforts go beyond simply providing rights; they aim to foster a societal culture that celebrates diversity and values each individual's unique contributions, thereby creating a sense of belonging and social cohesion.

Her Excellency Asma Al Azri, Executive Director of the Family Cases Sector at the Family Care Authority, echoed these sentiments. She emphasized that protecting People of Determination is not only a moral obligation but also an investment in the future of society. The Family Care Authority is committed to working alongside the government of Abu Dhabi and following the framework set out in the 2020 Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination to ensure the success and inclusivity of the new policy.

Al Azri explained that the Family Care Authority’s role in the policy will involve implementing a unified mechanism to evaluate cases, provide specialized services, and intervene when necessary. She also emphasized the importance of taking proactive preventive measures and ensuring that the Family Care Authority’s call center is available for immediate reporting and intervention.

“This policy is set to enrich Abu Dhabi’s role in the global effort to protect and empower People of Determination,” said Al Azri. “By working together with our strategic partners, we envision a future where People of Determination can thrive and become a source of inspiration for everyone in society.”

The launch of this new protection policy is part of the UAE's broader vision to create an inclusive society where all people, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to contribute to their communities and lead fulfilling lives. Through such initiatives, Abu Dhabi is striving to set a global example in terms of protecting and empowering People of Determination.