Dubai Foundation for Women and Children Hosts MENA Child Helpline 2024

Photo : Dubai government media office

The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) has officially launched the ‘Regional Consultation of Child Helpline in MENA 2024’ in collaboration with Child Helpline International. The event, which is taking place from November 12 to 14 at the 25 Hours Hotel in Dubai, has brought together over 50 representatives from the Child Helpline International Network across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, along with numerous organizations focused on tackling child abuse, violence, and exploitation.

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The primary objective of the meeting is to address the mounting challenges children face amid a series of ‘interconnected global crises.’ These include issues such as food insecurity, health crises, climate change, and ongoing armed conflicts, all of which have exacerbated the threats to children. As a result, incidents of violence have increased, and children's mental health has been significantly impacted.

Under the theme, *‘Every Child Has a Voice – Strengthening and Expanding Child Helpline Practices in MENA,’* the consultation will explore new strategies aimed at enhancing the protection of children in the region. The discussions will center on three key topics: the role of artificial intelligence in child protection, improving emergency case management systems, and the sharing of best practices in data collection and hotline management.

The program also includes presentations from experts across various fields, with over 20 research papers dedicated to discussing digital strategies and innovative approaches to improving child protection services. In addition, the event will showcase the latest technological solutions designed to address the myriad challenges children are currently facing in the MENA region.

Her Excellency Shaikha Saeed Al Mansouri, Acting Director General of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, highlighted the importance of the event in strengthening regional and international cooperation. She stated, "This meeting represents a vital step in enhancing collaboration with both regional and international stakeholders. It reflects the Foundation’s dedication to building a sustainable system focused on the protection and well-being of children, ensuring that their voices are heard amid the growing challenges they face."

She further emphasized the significance of the meeting, saying, "Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen child helpline practices across the region, foster innovation, and provide the support children need to overcome their difficulties. Our efforts mirror the UAE's commitment to promoting children’s rights and ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for their growth."

As the UAE’s first licensed shelter dedicated to supporting women and children who are victims of violence, abuse, and human trafficking, DFWAC has long been at the forefront of child protection initiatives. Its 24/7 hotline (800111) provides immediate counseling and emergency assistance to those in need. In addition to emergency support, DFWAC offers a comprehensive range of services, including psychosocial care, legal counseling, and guidance on consular and immigration procedures.

The Foundation also provides specialized therapeutic programs to assist victims of violence and exploitation. One such initiative is Play Therapy, which creates a safe space for child victims to express their emotions and begin their healing process. Another program, Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), integrates animals into the therapeutic environment, offering emotional support to both children and adults. These therapeutic services are designed to help individuals cope with trauma and rebuild their lives in a supportive and secure setting.

Her Excellency Al Mansouri stated, "Our programs reflect the UAE's leadership role in advancing children's rights both domestically and internationally. By working with global partners such as UNICEF and contributing to international conventions on child protection, we are striving to ensure the safety and well-being of children around the world."

The ‘Regional Consultation of Child Helpline in MENA 2024’ serves as an important platform for collaboration, bringing together representatives from across the MENA region and beyond to share insights and exchange experiences. This gathering fosters meaningful discussions on common challenges faced by children and explores effective policies to strengthen child protection systems regionally.

The event highlights the UAE's role as a key player in promoting global cooperation on children's rights. By facilitating this gathering, Dubai underscores its commitment to advancing child protection efforts not only in the MENA region but also on the international stage. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to generate actionable insights that will help improve the protection services available to children in the region and beyond.

The ‘Regional Consultation of Child Helpline in MENA 2024’ marks a significant milestone in addressing the growing risks to children and ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the future of child protection policies. Through such initiatives, the UAE continues to set the standard for global cooperation in safeguarding children’s rights.

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