Dubai: Coinciding with the Year of the Family, Dubai Police has added another milestone to its record of excellence in child protection. The Child and Woman Protection Department at the General Department of Human Rights has obtained membership in the European Barnahus Network. This makes Dubai Police the first law enforcement agency in the Middle East and North Africa to join this specialized European network, and the second police force in the world to achieve this, after Norway.

This achievement reflects the advanced standing Dubai Police has reached in developing an integrated system for protecting child victims of violence and abuse through the “Child Oasis” project. Designed in line with international standards for forensic interviewing and multidisciplinary care, the project provides a safe, child-friendly environment that supports protection, investigation, and psychological and social rehabilitation.

The European Barnahus Network is an international platform dedicated to supporting “Child’s House” centers and promoting the exchange of best practices in handling child victims of violence, abuse, and exploitation. This aligns with an integrated approach that places the child’s best interests first.

With this membership, Dubai Police will continue to develop the “Child’s House” model in line with international standards, while strengthening partnerships and international cooperation in this specialized humanitarian and security field. This will improve services for children and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global model in protecting children’s rights.

A Strategic Milestone
Brigadier Abdul Rahman Al Shaer, Director of the General Department of Human Rights, stated that obtaining membership in the European Barnahus Network is a strategic milestone in Dubai Police’s journey to enhance child protection according to best global practices. “It reflects international confidence in the institutional efficiency and specialized expertise that the General Command has developed over the years,” he added.

Al Shaer stated: “This achievement is the result of a supportive leadership vision and continuous investment in an integrated system combining protection, care, and specialized investigation—one that considers the psychological, social, and legal needs of children. This membership will open broader horizons for international cooperation and knowledge exchange with leading institutions, contributing to the sustainable development of preventive and therapeutic services for children”.

International Recognition
Meanwhile, Colonel Faisal Al Khamiri, Deputy Director of the General Department of Human Rights, noted that the “Child Oasis” project is a pioneering model that reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to the highest professional and humanitarian standards in dealing with child victims of violence and abuse.

He emphasized that child protection is a societal and national responsibility requiring integrated efforts from all relevant authorities, and that Dubai Police will continue to cement its position as a global reference in protecting children’s rights, dignity, and safety. “Membership in the Barnahus Network is international recognition of Dubai Police’s efforts to develop a specialized, child- friendly environment based on an integrated working methodology. It enhances opportunities to learn from global experiences and apply best practices in protecting child victims,” he added.

Protection as a Priority
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ali Al Matrooshi explained that the “Child Oasis” model provides a safe, supportive environment where children can give their testimony in a professional and humane setting, reducing the negative psychological effects of repeated interviews and procedures. He added that the membership will offer valuable opportunities for specialized training, expert exchange, and access to the latest global studies and methodologies—helping to improve services for children and their families.

Al Matrooshi stressed that child protection is a fundamental priority requiring continuous development of tools, programmes, and policies to ensure the highest levels of care and safety, and to strengthen Dubai Police’s position as a world leader in this vital humanitarian field.