DUBAI // A month-long campaign to raise awareness about child abuse will be launched in April.
The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, a non-profit organisation that runs the emirate's only licensed shelter for victims of abuse, announced details of the campaign yesterday.
"We aim to prevent the physical and emotional abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take action to protect children before they are harmed," said Fatma Essa, community awareness manager for the charity.
Brochures, books and leaflets will be distributed to parents and children between the ages of 6 and 12. The foundation will also hold events in shopping malls and schools across Dubai. This is the third year the foundation has held the campaign.
There are no reliable statistics available on the number of child abuses cases in the UAE, according to the foundation. They will, however, soon begin work to remedy this.
"Presently, we only track the statistics of the child abuse cases that enter the foundation for sheltering and counseling services," said Ms Essa. "In the meantime, we are conducting a study to assess the prevalence and magnitude of child abuse and neglect among Emiratis in UAE."
The father of Moosa Mukhtiyar Ahmed, the four-year-old who was raped and murdered at a mosque in Dubai in 2009, has lauded the campaign but says prosecutors also playe an important role in prevention.
"Perpetrators of child abuse should be strongly punished so that no other person dares to do such a crime," said Mukhtiar Ahmed Khudabakhsh.
His child's murderer, Rashid Al Rashidi, was executed by firing squad a year ago. "I don't know how to thank the Dubai Government for what they did," he said. "They provided justice to a poor person like me by by executing the killer."
The UAE government is currently working to finalise a new child protection law that will outline victims' rights as well as the punishment for abusers.
"The government is putting great efforts regarding child protection," said Ms Essa. "This includes preparing the final draft of child protection law which will cover all the issues."
The law was first drafted in December 2008, but has faced delays because of disagreements over the definition of what constitutes abuse.
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Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein The Far East, Palestine, and Spain, 1922 – 1923
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Princeton
A State of Passion
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Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
The squad traveling to Brazil:
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Astroworld
Travis Scott
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Cricket World Cup League 2
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Lost to Oman by eight runs
Beat Namibia by three wickets
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Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
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Name: Kumulus Water
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Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Mykonos, with a flight change to its partner airline Olympic Air in Athens. Return flights cost from Dh4,105 per person, including taxes.
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How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
Results:
Men’s wheelchair 200m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 27.14; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 27.81; 3. Rheed McCracken (AUS) 27.81.
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
Match info
Liverpool 3
Hoedt (10' og), Matip (21'), Salah (45 3')
Southampton 0