Based on the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, the Emirati Children’s Parliament, was launched. Which came in line with the full commitment of the UAE government to support the rights of the child, as stipulated in the 'Wadeema' law. And to enhance the effective participation of all children, including people of determination, their families and institutions related to issues and topics related to them and to community development, and based on the guidelines of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, 'the child's right to express himself and his views in all matters relating to the child and to take them into consideration.'
In February 2020, the Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood announced the establishment of the first Emirati Children’s Parliament in celebration of Emirati Children’s Day. According to an agreement signed with the Federal National Council in line with the political empowerment program launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in keeping with the Emirati Children's Day theme 'The Right to Participate'.
About
The Emirati Children’s Parliament consists of 40 members from all the emirates, equally between males and females. Similar to the composition of the Federal National Council, and their ages range between (10 and 16 years old), and among them are members of “People of Determination” representing the children of the UAE. The membership term is two years.
The Emirati Children’s Parliament is, distributed over the Emirates, as follows:
- 8Abu DhabiSeats
- 8DubaiSeats
- 6SharjahSeats
- 6Ras Al KhaimahSeats
- 4AjmanSeats
- 4Umm Al QuwainSeats
- 4FujairahSeats
The Goal of Establishing Parliament
- Consolidation of participation in decision-making through dialogue and expression of opinion in an organized framework among children.
- Preparing a generation capable of practicing its societal roles and its effective contribution to community building and development.
- Familiarizing children with their rights and how to defend them in accordance with the National Strategy for Motherhood and Childhood, the Child Protection Law (Wadeema) and the International Convention for the Protection of Child Rights.
- Training Emirati children to use the means of expressing opinions and accepting others opinions in accordance with parliamentary work mechanisms.
- Enhancing the role of the Emirati child towards his national and Arab issues, exchanging experiences with the Arab Parliament for Children and other Arab parliaments, and serving as a platform for simulation and training for the children of the United Arab Emirates.
- Participation in forums and festivals for children at the Arab and international level.
Membership Conditions
- He/She must be a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, and permanently residing in the emirate he/she represents.
- To not be older then the approved age for membership.
- To be distinguished.
- Guardian approval for participation in the Parliament.