Dubai // Children’s rights and ways to prevent abuse will be the focus of a charity’s month-long campaign.
The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children launched its “Protect Childhood, It’s Precious” initiative yesterday.
Its centrepiece is this week’s Childhood Carnival, which will highlight the importance of children’s rights through activities for youngsters and parents.
There will also be workshops and lectures in schools and institutions across the country.
The campaign aims to support the foundation’s efforts to educate the community on child abuse, said Afra Al Basti, its chief executive.
It demonstrates the shared passion across the country in preserving the safety of our future generations, Ms Al Basti said.
A study conducted by the foundation in 2012 showed that most children knew their abusers, and that boys were more often physically or sexually abused than girls.
The study also showed that verbal and moral abuse were the most prevalent forms found in a home, while sexual abuse of children was the least.
The foundation is the first licensed shelter in the UAE for victims of domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking.
The Children’s Carnival takes place from 10am to 10pm on Thursday and Friday at Mirdif City Centre.
