MUSCAT, DEC 1
Under the slogan 'Our Children are a Trust', the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, celebrated the International Day for the Protection of Children from Abuse.
The event aimed to foster a culture of child protection, raise awareness of various forms of abuse, highlight related laws and regulations, and emphasise reporting mechanisms. It also showcased the role of relevant authorities and care institutions in prevention, intervention, and providing psychological and social support.
The celebration featured a theatrical performance conveying a message on children's rights, emphasising society’s shared responsibility to ensure a safe environment that preserves their dignity and promotes healthy development.
A child participant, Muath bin Khalid al Masrouri, presented a segment titled 'A Child's Message: We Are a Trust', highlighting that protecting children is not only a legal obligation but a national responsibility, securing the future of Oman’s leaders, scholars and innovators.
Haitham bin Salem al Khadouri, Director of the Family Protection Department at MoSD, stated that the ministry continues to build an integrated child protection system by developing national strategies, activating abuse monitoring hotlines, collaborating with local and international organisations, and establishing specialised units to support children in coordination with all relevant sectors.
The event included two panel discussions. The first, 'Integrating Roles Between Justice and Social Welfare', featured presentations by:
Naif al Adwani, legal researcher at MoSD, on the ministry’s framework for protecting children from abuse, Ahmed bin Nasser al Rashdi, Director at the Oman Human Rights Commission, on raising awareness of children’s rights and Lt Col Rashid al Khuzaimi, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, on police efforts in abuse cases.
The second panel, 'Strengthening Community Partnerships for Child Protection', included: Dr Bilal al Kaswani, Unicef Oman, on the child protection system’s pillars and best practices, and Dr Mona al Shukaili, child psychiatry consultant, on therapeutic interventions for abuse cases.
The Ministry of Social Development continues to prioritise child welfare, safeguard rights and enhance community-level prevention.
Last September, the ministry launched the 'Child Protection Guide', standardising national procedures for abuse and neglect cases, defining roles of authorities, and enhancing the capacity of child protection professionals to implement best practices.
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