What are the punishments and fines for child negligence in the UAE?

Pursuant to Article 3 of this Law, the rights of the children are protected without any discrimination as to the origin, sex, home country, religion, social status, or disability of any child.

Child negligence and the punishments imposed:

Child negligence can be of different types; it can be physical, educational, medical, or even emotional in nature.

The UAE child defines 'child negligence' as 'Failure of the parents or the custodian to take necessary actions to preserve the child's life, as well as his/her physical, mental, and moral integrity from risks and to protect his/her various rights'.

For abandonment or improper care:

Under this law, it is prohibited to:

• endanger the mental, psychological, physical, or moral integrity of the child, whether through the abandonment of the child by his/her custodian or by leaving him/her at a care institution without due reason or rejection of the child by his/her custodian, or refraining from treating his/her illness and handling his/her affairs (Article 35). A fine of Aed 5000 is imposed as a penalty. However, if imposed by any other law, further severe penalties may also be imposed.
• smoke in public and private transportation means and indoor places in the presence of a child (Article 21(2)). A fine of Aed 15,000/- is imposed as a penalty.

For Sexual exploitation:

Pursuant to Article 37 of the Law, the following acts shall be prohibited:

• To use or exploit a child in the filming, recording or production of pornographic materials.
• To produce, publish, distribute or facilitate access of children to pornographic materials in any way.
• The custodian's contribution to the child's participation in the production or filming of child pornography or any other sexual acts, or his permission or assistance offered to the child in such acts.
• To exploit the child sexually by exposing or preparing him/her for prostitution or debauchery, whether with or without pay, directly or indirectly.

Imprisonment of up to 10 years may be imposed for the violation.

Pursuant to Article 26 of the Law, it is prohibited to publish, display, circulate, possess or produce any visual, audio or printed works or games for children that address the child's sexual instincts or adorn the behaviors that are contrary to the public order and morals or that would encourage abnormal behaviour. The punishment for violation is a penalty of a fine ranging from Aed 100,000 to Aed 400,000/-.

The UAE child protection laws have been enacted to ensure that appropriate living standards, right to health and educational rights are guaranteed to all children in the UAE without any discrimination. The Law protects children against all forms of negligence, exploitation, physical and psychological abuses and it further imposes the onus on the community, especially physicians, educators, health care workers and other members of the society, to mandatorily report instances of child negligence. The end goal is to ensure a collaborative approach in building a safer society, ensuring the well-being of children.