UAE to host international child protection conference

Abu Dhabi, Nov 15, 2012 (WAM) - The UAE will host the Virtual Global Taskforce’s (VGT) fifth biennial international conference on child protection in Abu Dhabi from Dec.11 to 13. The conference will discuss mechanisms to promote efforts on child protection and ways to cooperate in combating risks to children. It will also shed light on the Virtual Global Taskforce’s achievements, organisers in Abu Dhabi said. Major General Nasser Lakhreibani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the office of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Head of the Higher Committee on Child Protection and UAE representative in the VGT Board of Management stressed the State’s readiness to host the conference. He pointed out that preparations are commensurate with this significant event, which spreads knowledge on international best practices. He noted that the Ministry of Interior is dedicated to achieve the UAE’s vision of being one of the best countries in the world in child protection. This also comes in line with the vision of Lt Gen Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, to see that the UAE becomes a hub for excellence in all areas of child protection. Major General Lakhreibani indicated that the conference will discuss mechanisms to promote efforts on child protection and ways to cooperate in combating risks to children. It will also shed light on the Virtual Global Taskforce’s achievements. “This conference introduces the best technical police practices, in addition to the legislative relevant aspects to enhance international cooperation in child protection,” he added. Moreover, he noted that the conference will reflect a positive image of the UAE and introduce leading national projects and initiatives, in line with the UAE 2021 vision, to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world in child protection. Lt Col Faisal Mohammed Al Shamari, Director of the Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Centre and chairman of the organising committee, asserted that preparations are under way to guarantee the appropriate organisation and success of this international event, held under the patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. He added, “As per the directives of the Secretary General, a number of cultural and awareness events are being planned to coincide with the conference in collaboration with the concerned ministries, bodies, and institutions.” He also suggested browsing the conference’s website: www.vgtconference2012.ae and the VGT’s website: www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com. Moreover, Lt Col Al Shammari indicated that the VGT is one of the biggest international child protection organisations in the world, with members such as the Australian Federal Police, the UK Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (United Kingdom), the Canadian Coordination Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (Royal Mounted Canadian Police), the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Italian Postal and Communications Police, the Interpol, the UAE Ministry of Interior, New Zealand Police, Europol and a number of new members. – The Gulf Today