Dubai Police has achieved a significant international milestone in child protection by becoming the first law enforcement agency in the Middle East and North Africa and only the second globally after Norway to join the European Barnahus Network.
The membership was secured through the Child and Woman Protection Department of the General Department of Human Rights, reinforcing Dubai Police’s commitment to strengthening child safeguarding systems and aligning them with international best practices.
The achievement coincides with the UAE’s Year of the Family and highlights the success of Dubai Police’s pioneering “Child Oasis” initiative, a specialised model designed to provide integrated protection and support services for child victims of violence and abuse.
The Child Oasis programme offers a safe and child-friendly environment where investigation, protection, psychological support, and social rehabilitation services are delivered under one roof, ensuring a coordinated and compassionate response to child abuse cases.
The European Barnahus Network connects child protection institutions and “Child’s House” models across Europe and beyond, promoting multidisciplinary approaches that prioritise the best interests of children affected by violence, exploitation, and abuse.
Through the new membership, Dubai Police will further enhance the Child Oasis model by adopting global standards, expanding international cooperation, and strengthening knowledge exchange in child protection practices.
Strategic Achievement
Brigadier Abdul Rahman Al Shaer described the membership as a strategic milestone that reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to building advanced child protection systems based on international best practices.
He said the achievement demonstrates growing international recognition of Dubai Police’s institutional capabilities and specialised expertise in supporting vulnerable groups, particularly children.
Al Shaer noted that integrating psychological, social, and legal services within a unified framework provides comprehensive support tailored to the needs of child victims, while opening new avenues for international cooperation and service development.
International Recognition
Colonel Faisal Al Khamiri said the Child Oasis initiative represents a pioneering model that reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to the highest humanitarian and professional standards when handling cases involving children.
He emphasised that child protection is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration among all relevant institutions and stakeholders.
According to Al Khamiri, membership in the Barnahus Network serves as international recognition of Dubai Police’s efforts to establish a specialised and child-friendly protection system based on integrated methodologies and global standards.
Expanding Child Protection Services
Lieutenant Colonel Dr Ali Al Matrooshi said the Child Oasis model ensures children are interviewed in a safe environment designed to minimise psychological stress and reduce the impact of repeated questioning and procedures.
He added that the membership will provide access to advanced training programmes, international expertise, and the latest research in child protection, further enhancing support services for children and their families.
Dubai Police said child protection remains a core institutional priority, with ongoing efforts focused on developing innovative programmes, policies, and services that ensure the highest standards of care, safety, and justice for children while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global leader in child welfare and protection.
