Abu Dhabi Launches 'Protecting Children Takes All of Us' Campaign: A Call to Action for Community Safety

Abu Dhabi residents are being urged to actively participate in safeguarding children by reporting any safety concerns through a new initiative. The 'Protecting Children Takes All of Us' campaign is designed to empower parents, educators, and all community members with the knowledge to identify signs of abuse or neglect, understand appropriate responses, and access necessary support systems. Layla Al Hassan, director of communication and partnerships at the Early Childhood Authority, emphasized the importance of speaking up if one observes a child exhibiting unusual quietness, anxiety, or a sudden reluctance to attend school. She assured that reports can be made anonymously, and individuals do not need to have definitive proof or conduct investigations before raising a concern.

"The core message is that child protection is a shared responsibility," Ms. Al Hassan stated, adding that abuse is not always visible through physical signs like scars or bruises, and can manifest emotionally or online.

The campaign will extend its reach until mid-2027, engaging communities via schools, majlis, and both digital and traditional media platforms. Anonymous reporting is facilitated through the Family Care Authority Hotline at 800444 or the Ministry of Interior’s child protection Hotline at 116111. For immediate emergencies, the public should contact Abu Dhabi Police on 999.

Abu Dhabi's integrated child protection system, Dama Al Aman, unites 21 local and federal entities across education, health, social care, law enforcement, and justice sectors. This comprehensive system aims to prevent harm, facilitate early identification of concerns, and coordinate support for children and families. It is built upon the emirate's Child Protection Policy, introduced in 2023 and endorsed by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Members of Abu Dhabi's Department of Community Development highlighted the crucial role residents play in child protection. The Early Childhood Authority reported that over 400 child protection specialists have received training, along with practitioners in the education, health, and social sectors. At the Family Care Authority, reports are evaluated based on risk levels. Asma Al Azri, executive director of the authority's family cases sector, explained that in cases requiring immediate protection, the authority can arrange shelter or facilitate care by a family member. "There is no one plan that fits all, and yet we make sure that our response happens immediately," Ms. Al Azri noted, specifying that response times vary based on case severity and individual needs.

Dr. Hessa Al Kaabi, the ECA’s executive director of special projects and partnerships, stressed the importance of children having a trusted adult. "Every child deserves to feel safe, to be heard, and to know there is someone they can turn to," she said. "You don’t have to be a specialist to make a difference."

Alia Al Kaabi, senior chief prosecutor at Abu Dhabi Family Prosecution, remarked, "The Protecting Children Takes All of Us campaign plays a vital role in reinforcing awareness that protecting children goes beyond intervening when harm has already occurred. It begins with recognising early warning signs that a child may be at risk, listening to children, and promptly reporting any concerns about their safety to the relevant authorities."

Mariam Alhallami, executive director of Adek's private education and charter schools sector, stated that an education system can only fulfill its purpose when students feel secure, valued, and supported. "For Adek, this means fostering a culture of care and accountability across schools, with educators equipped to identify concerns early and respond effectively. Dama Al Aman strengthens this foundation by bringing schools, families and child protection services closer together, reinforcing a shared responsibility to safeguard every child’s well-being and enable them to thrive."

Healthcare professionals are also positioned to identify children in need of protection, according to Durra Alblooshi, acting executive director of the community health sector at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre. "During clinical check-ups, changes in a child’s physical or mental health may reveal what the child finds difficult to express. Trained healthcare professionals can recognise these signs and provide appropriate care in co-ordination with the relevant authorities," Dr. Alblooshi added.