Research On Child Protection Frameworks And Parental Criminal Liability

14 Oct 2025 --
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1. Abu Dhabi – Father and Stepmother Abusing a 9-Year-Old Girl

Facts: A 9-year-old girl was brought to the hospital with burns, cuts, and extensive bruising. The father initially claimed she fell at home, but medical examinations confirmed repeated abuse over time.
Legal Basis: The abuse violated Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Wadeema’s Law), which criminalizes endangerment of a child’s physical and psychological integrity. Penal Code provisions on assault and child abuse were also applied.
Outcome: The father and stepmother were sentenced to 10 years in prison, later reduced to 7 years on appeal, and ordered to pay AED 160,000 in compensation to the child.
Key Point: UAE courts impose severe penalties when custodians actively abuse children, especially when injuries are severe or repeated.

2. Ajman – Parents Neglecting a 7-Year-Old Boy

Facts: A 7-year-old was brought to school with multiple bruises. Teachers reported the child’s fear of his father and stepmother, raising suspicion of abuse and neglect.
Legal Basis: Wadeema’s Law criminalizes physical abuse and neglect. Parents have a legal duty of care; failure constitutes criminal liability.
Outcome: The parents were formally charged with child abuse and neglect, and proceedings were initiated in the criminal court.
Key Point: Schools and educators are crucial in detecting child abuse, and custodians can be prosecuted for failing their protective duties.

3. Negligence Leading to Child Injury/Death

Facts: A toddler died after being left unattended in a car by the parents, constituting negligence. Although there was no direct intent to harm, the omission led to a fatal outcome.
Legal Basis: UAE Penal Code penalizes negligent acts resulting in death or injury. Wadeema’s Law imposes criminal liability for failure to ensure child safety.
Outcome: Parents were sentenced to 2 years imprisonment and fined AED 10,000 for criminal negligence.
Key Point: Criminal liability arises not only from intentional abuse but also from neglect or omission that endangers the child.

4. Failure to Enrol a Child in School

Facts: Parents refused to enrol their 10-year-old child in school, citing personal disagreements with education authorities. Authorities initiated a case under child protection provisions.
Legal Basis: Wadeema’s Law requires guardians to ensure access to education; withholding this is a punishable violation.
Outcome: The parents were fined AED 5,000, with the possibility of additional penalties if the child continued to be deprived of education.
Key Point: Parental duties under UAE law extend beyond physical protection to the child’s social and educational rights.

5. Medical Neglect – Refusal of Treatment

Facts: A child with a severe infection was denied medical treatment by his parents for over a week due to personal beliefs, resulting in worsening health.
Legal Basis: Wadeema’s Law criminalizes failure to provide medical care to children, and the Penal Code can be applied if harm occurs.
Outcome: Parents were fined AED 15,000 and placed under probation supervision. Had the child’s condition worsened further, imprisonment could have applied.
Key Point: Deliberate refusal of medical care constitutes criminal negligence under UAE law.

6. Leaving Child Unattended in Dangerous Place

Facts: Parents left a 4-year-old child unsupervised on a balcony. The child fell but survived with serious injuries.
Legal Basis: Negligence under the Penal Code and Wadeema’s Law, which prohibits abandoning children in dangerous circumstances.
Outcome: Parents were sentenced to 6 months imprisonment and ordered to pay AED 20,000 in compensation.
Key Point: Even short-term negligence that creates significant risk to a child’s life can lead to criminal prosecution.

7. Child Abduction by Parent During Custody Dispute

Facts: During a custody dispute, a father took his 8-year-old daughter from her school without authorization.
Legal Basis: Child protection laws and Penal Code provisions on abduction apply. Parents cannot remove children unlawfully even during custody disputes.
Outcome: Father was fined AED 30,000 and temporarily lost custodial rights; legal supervision was placed to prevent recurrence.
Key Point: UAE law prioritizes the child’s safety and best interests over parental desires during disputes.