Dubai Police has joined the European Barnahus Network, becoming the first law enforcement agency in the Middle East and North Africa to achieve this milestone. The move strengthens the UAE’s child protection system through the Child Oasis initiative. Here’s what it means for children, families, and safeguarding efforts in the country.
Dubai Police has reached a significant milestone in child protection after becoming the first law enforcement agency in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to join the European Barnahus Network.
The achievement was announced by Dubai Police’s General Department of Human Rights and marks international recognition of the force’s efforts to provide better protection and support for children who have experienced abuse, violence, or exploitation.
The membership is closely linked to Dubai Police’s pioneering Child Oasis initiative, a specialised programme designed to provide child victims with a safe and supportive environment while investigations and rehabilitation services are carried out.
The move also aligns with the UAE’s continued focus on family wellbeing and child welfare during the Year of the Family.
What is the Child Oasis initiative?
At the centre of this achievement is the Dubai Police Child Oasis project, which was created to ensure children receive protection, care, and justice without being exposed to unnecessary emotional distress.
Instead of requiring a child to repeatedly visit multiple agencies, Child Oasis brings key services together under one roof. This includes protection services, investigations, psychological support, social rehabilitation, and legal assistance.
The child-friendly approach is designed to make difficult situations less traumatic while ensuring that professionals can work together to support victims more effectively.
According to Dubai Police, the model follows internationally recognised practices used in leading child protection systems around the world.
Why is joining the European Barnahus Network important?
The European Barnahus Network is widely recognised as one of the leading international platforms focused on protecting children who have experienced abuse and violence.
The network connects organisations and institutions that operate under the “Child’s House” model, which places the child’s wellbeing at the centre of every stage of the protection process.
By joining the network, Dubai Police gains access to international expertise, specialised training programmes, research, and best practices in child safeguarding.
The membership also creates opportunities for stronger cooperation with global child protection organisations and experts.
According to Dubai Police, the move will help further enhance the Child Oasis programme and ensure it continues to meet the highest international standards.
Dubai Police calls it a strategic milestone
Brigadier Abdul Rahman Al Shaer, Director of the General Department of Human Rights at Dubai Police, described the membership as a major strategic achievement.
He said the recognition reflects the specialised expertise and institutional capabilities developed by Dubai Police over the years in the field of child protection.
Al Shaer highlighted the importance of combining psychological, social, and legal services into a single framework that focuses on the needs of child victims.
He also noted that joining the network will open new opportunities for international cooperation and knowledge exchange, helping Dubai Police continue improving its preventive and rehabilitation services.
The announcement was also highlighted through Dubai Police’s human rights initiatives, which continue to focus on vulnerable groups and community wellbeing.
How does this benefit families in the UAE?
For families across the UAE, the development reinforces confidence in the country’s child protection framework.
Cases involving child victims often require support from multiple agencies. Bringing those services together helps reduce stress for both children and their families while ensuring quicker access to care and support.
Colonel Faisal Al Khamiri, Deputy Director of the General Department of Human Rights, stated that child protection is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration between all relevant institutions.
He added that the international recognition confirms Dubai Police’s commitment to creating a specialised and child-friendly protection system that follows global best practices.
The enhanced cooperation and training opportunities resulting from the membership are expected to strengthen the overall effectiveness of child protection services in the UAE.
UAE continues strengthening child welfare standards
The announcement reflects a broader national commitment to child welfare and family wellbeing.
The UAE has consistently introduced initiatives aimed at protecting children’s rights and creating safer communities. Government entities continue to invest in programmes that improve social services, mental health support, and child safeguarding mechanisms.
Dubai Police’s latest achievement further strengthens the country’s reputation as a leader in adopting international standards while developing local solutions tailored to community needs.
Officials believe that access to global expertise through the Barnahus Network will help improve future policies, training programmes, and services offered to children and families.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the Dubai Police Child Oasis initiative?
A: Child Oasis is a specialised child protection programme that provides investigation, psychological support, rehabilitation, and protection services in one child-friendly location.
Q: What is the European Barnahus Network?
A: It is an international child protection network that promotes the “Child’s House” model and shares best practices for supporting child victims of abuse and violence.
Q: Why is Dubai Police joining the network significant?
A: Dubai Police is the first law enforcement agency in the MENA region and only the second globally after Norway to become a member, highlighting international recognition of its child protection efforts.
Q: How does this help children in the UAE?
A: It improves access to coordinated care, reduces emotional stress during investigations, and ensures children receive support from multiple specialists in one place.
Q: Will Dubai Police receive international training through the network?
A: Yes. Membership provides access to advanced training programmes, international expertise, research, and collaboration opportunities with child protection professionals worldwide.
Dubai Police’s entry into the European Barnahus Network marks a major step forward for child protection in the UAE. Through its Child Oasis initiative, the force has earned international recognition for creating a safer, more supportive environment for young victims of abuse and violence. The membership will strengthen global cooperation, improve training opportunities, and help ensure children receive the highest standards of care and protection.
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