The Dubai Police General Command has announced its membership in the European Barnahus Network, which specializes in child protection, becoming the first police entity in the Middle East and North Africa to join the network, and the second police entity worldwide after Norway.
This achievement was made through the Child and Women Protection Department at the General Department of Human Rights, in recognition of Dubai Police’s efforts in the “Child Oasis” project, which was developed according to modern international standards for forensic interviews with children.
The project aims to provide a safe and child-friendly environment that enables children to give their statements in a professional manner that takes into account their psychological and social condition. It also supports investigation, care, and rehabilitation procedures for children who have been victims of violence or abuse.
Brigadier Abdulrahman Al Shaer, Director of the General Department of Human Rights at Dubai Police, said joining the European Barnahus Network represents an important milestone in developing the child protection system. He noted that the membership reflects international confidence in Dubai Police’s capabilities and specialized expertise.
He explained that this accomplishment is the result of supportive leadership and continuous work to build an integrated system that brings together protection, care, and investigation within a framework that considers the legal, psychological, and social needs of children.
Al Shaer added that membership in the network will open broader opportunities for cooperation with international institutions and for the exchange of knowledge and expertise, helping to improve preventive and therapeutic programs and services provided to children.
For his part, Colonel Faisal Al Khumairi, Deputy Director of the General Department of Human Rights, said the “Child Oasis” project is an advanced model for dealing with affected children and reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to applying high professional and humanitarian standards.
He pointed out that joining the European Barnahus Network is an international recognition of Dubai Police’s efforts to develop a specialized environment based on integration among the various entities concerned with child protection.
Al Khumairi stressed that protecting childhood is a national and community responsibility that requires coordination and joint efforts. He affirmed that Dubai Police will continue strengthening its position in safeguarding children’s dignity and ensuring their safety.
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ali Al Matrooshi also explained that the “Child Oasis” model provides a safe and supportive environment that allows children to give their statements in a humane and professional setting, while reducing the psychological impact that may result from repeated interviews and procedures.
He added that joining the Barnahus Network, which supports “Children’s House” centers and promotes the exchange of best practices in dealing with victims of abuse and exploitation, will help provide specialized training opportunities and access to the latest studies and methodologies.
He emphasized that child protection remains a continuous priority that requires ongoing development of policies and tools to ensure the highest levels of care, while placing the best interests of the child at the forefront of all efforts.
