Child abuse hotline launched in Abu Dhabi

Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, on Monday opened the second global summit on ‘Ending online child sexual exploitation’, held under the theme of ‘We Protect’, in Abu Dhabi.
 
The summit is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and organised by the Ministry of Interior (MoI).
 
Sheikh Saif also launched a hotline to facilitate reports for child abuse cases at the summit. 
 
Meanwhile, in his inaugural speech welcoming guests to the UAE - the host of the summit, he said, "We gather here today to work together to find solutions for the issue of child abuse; and in the hope that we will stand as a bulwark against those who attempt to jeopardize the innocence of the world’s children and to undermine their promising future."
 
He conveyed to the audience the greetings of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who expressed their hope that the summit would achieve its goals in promoting coordination and cooperation and attain the noble objective of protecting our children.
 
Sheikh Saif said, "I would like to take this opportunity to express the heartfelt and most sincere condolences of the leadership, the government and the people of the UAE to the families and friends of the victims of the Paris terror bombings – such heinous attacks that have betrayed humanity and cost these men and women their lives." He asserted that the UAE stands in solidarity with France and with the international forces in the fight to uproot the forces of evil, darkness and extremism.
 
He added, "I came across this quote in the media, which says that terrorism has no religion. I would like to add that terrorism is an embodiment of malice and hatred, and a rejection of humanitarian and civilised values; and I don’t think that any heavenly religion advocates crimes against religions or humanity."
 
Sheikh Saif underlined that the UAE has always endeavored to promote the protection of the international community, and would continue to do so. He noted that the UAE has always been committed to fighting hatred wherever it exists; an approach that is derived from the noble values of Islam, Arab traditions and the cultural heritage of the people of the Arabian Gulf region.
 
Hotline
 
During his tour on the sidelines of the summit’s activities and events, Sheikh Saif inaugurated the 116111 hotline. The hotline is an integrated system designed to facilitate reports for child abuse cases via the ‘Hemayati’ smartphone application (which means ‘protect me’ in English). Reports may also be made via the centre’s website.
 
Upon receiving a report through the advanced hotline system, especially urgent cases, the Police Operations Room is notified, who in turn launches its operations with high readiness to provide prompt support. Should the case require further study or social or psychological support, it will be referred to the Social Support Centres and Community Police Departments in the UAE.
 
Sheikh Saif said that the summit convened in order to protect the most treasured possession, an unparalleled fortune; and to build a bulwark that protects children from falling prey to immoral predators.
 
He noted that the success hinges on joint forces and collectively working together to create a safe and stable international environment– it cannot be done alone. Sheikh Saif said that this joint cooperation will make use of all available resources towards further development and prosperity, and will work hand-in-hand with others around the world in order to achieve these goals.
 
Key speakers
 
The opening ceremony began with the national anthem performed by a number of students in Abu Dhabi.
 
The attendees viewed an introductory video, focusing on the objectives of the summit and the importance of such significant participation in the Abu Dhabi summit; which included governments, and private and public sectors. They also reviewed some statistics related to the inhumane crime of child abuse, stressing the importance of promoting and cooperation of international efforts to build strong partnerships to protect the children.
 
The video also showed an aspect of the UAE Ministry’s efforts through its specialized departments related to child protection, through the most prominent achievements of the UAE making it a leader in the field.
 
Baroness Shields, UK Minister for Internet Safety and Security, gave a speech where she stressed the importance of international cooperation to provide a safe environment for children on the internet. She hailed the keenness of the UAE’s government, and its efforts in organizing the second edition of the summit to promote the international cooperation in protecting youth from danger.
 
She pointed to the efforts of the previous summit, in launching the march of international cooperation to protect children and families. She noted that this generation is immersed in internet use and modern technology more than previous generations, which requires increased attention and care to the security of this space.
 
Fatoumata Ndiaye, Unicef Representative, also gave a speech. During which, she said: "It is ironic that the same tools used for the progress of science and knowledge are the ones that also challenge and threaten our children by weak-minded people."
 
She stressed the importance of unifying the international efforts to provide the children with a safe environment, where they can grow and learn in the best possible way. She pointed that violence, exploitation, and abuse comes mostly from people who the child knows - including parents and other members of the family, caretakers, teachers, employers, law enforcement, governmental and non-governmental authorities, and other children. A small portion of these acts of violence, exploitation, and abuse are reported and a small number of offenders get prosecuted.
 
Johnny Coon, Director of the National Crime Agency, presented a comprehensive national response module for the sexual exploitation of children on the internet. It included a strategic analysis and statistics prepared by the organization to promote the existing efforts of crime prevention. He pointed to a number of successful operations, which were conducted through international cooperation and that led to the capture and arrest of extortion gangs on the internet.
 
Latest technology
 
The guests were able to see the new SUV vehicle that is equipped with special bumpers for Security Support unit pursuits. The rear of the vehicle is equipped with logistic support that is needed for police patrols and members in countering crimes. The guests also reviewed the MDT device that is designated for processing mobile data, and effective and direct communication with patrols via smart and accurate tools. They also checked other modern technologies such as face recognition technologies, kid patrols, modern radars, the advanced Sahel machine, and iris recognition technologies. These technologies were presented by the ICT Department.
 
Additionally, the guests were introduced to the efforts of some of the police departments in providing advanced services by utilizing modern technologies. These departments included the Social Support Centers, the Community Police, and the Emergency and Public Safety Department.
 
For her part, Ana Helena Chacon Echeverria, 2nd Vice President of Costa Rica, praised the efforts of the UAE and its proven genuine and honest partnership; also recognising its capability to protect all community segments. She noted that the UAE, represented by the Ministry of Interior (MoI), has shown by its enthusiasm in organising the summit that it is a partner in fighting child exploitation. She also asserted that her country is looking forward to working with the MoI in a full partnership framework.
 
Salameh Hammad, Jordanian Minister of Interior stressed the importance of organizing this summit in an Arab country. He expressed his gratitude for the UAE for providing the opportunity to the participants for exchanging experiences and opinions regarding this vital issue, as it affects the most valuable segment in society. He also thanked the UAE Ministry of Interior and Sheikh Saif bin Zayed.
 
Prince Dr. Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Mishari Al-Saud, Assistant Minister of Interior for Technology Affairs  of Saudi Arabia, praised the successful efforts of the UAE in organising the Global Summit on Ending Online Child Sexual Exploitation. He also thanked the MoI for providing the opportunity for regional countries to meet in this event with governments and specialised international institutes to exchange opinions and expertise regarding information security and cyberspace.
 
In his concluding remarks, he wished the summit all the success, and said that he is looking forward to the recommendations of this summit for more cooperation in developing capabilities and building capacities. Sheikh Saif said that this aims to enable child protection under one united global entity - one that will endeavor to promote ideas and joint efforts alongside providing access to a unified vision to end the exploitation of children around the world; and to prevent the destruction of their innocent dreams through a relentless pursuit to protect them from all types of danger.
 
The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and a number of ministers, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps in the UAE. Also attending was Ana Helena Chacon Echeverria, 2nd Vice President of the Republic of Costa Rica; Sheikh Mohammed Al Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior in Kuwait; Chandra Prakash Mainali, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Women, Childhood, and Social Welfare; Dr. Yohana Susana Yembise, Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection in Indonesia; Salamah Hammad, Minister of Interior in Jordan; and other senior officials.
 
He relayed the apology from the British Home Secretary for her last-minute cancellation, as it was necessary for her to stay in the UK during this difficult period that the UK and European nations are facing alongside the entire world. He noted that even though her presence is missed, her visions and ideas will resonate with and inspire everyone involved.
 
Key guests and participants at the summit expressed their admiration regarding the exhibition that was held along the sidelines of the summit. Organised by the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the exhibition included the latest smart technologies used by the UAE police authorities when protecting community.
 

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