Doha, October 12 (QNA) – The Ministry of Social Development and Family, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, held a workshop on ways to address the effects of violence against children via videoconference, with the participation of representatives of government entities responsible for child protection in Arab countries, alongside regional and international experts, specialists, and representatives of relevant organizations.

The workshop opened with remarks by Lubna Azzam, representing the Social Affairs Sector’s Family and Childhood Department at the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, followed by a speech on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development and Family delivered by Director of the Family Development Department Fatima Mohammed Al Nuaimi.

The workshop was held in implementation of a recommendation issued at the 21st session of the Committee for Follow-up on Ending Violence Against Children, chaired by Qatar on Sep. 18, 2025. The recommendation, concerning the effects of violence on children, called for strengthening cooperation and coordination among member states and regional and international organisations, and organising a workshop to raise awareness of ways to prevent violence against children and mitigate its effects.

The workshop discussed ways to strengthen joint Arab efforts to address the effects of violence against children, exchange expertise, experiences and Arab and international best practices in prevention, protection and response, and promote a shared understanding of relevant international frameworks and standards for protecting children from all forms of violence.

It also highlighted digital violence against children and mechanisms for prevention, protection and responding to its effects. Participants reviewed mechanisms for monitoring, reporting, referral, professional intervention and case management, to develop an integrated child protection system and improve the effectiveness of responses to cases involving children exposed to violence.

The workshop further explored ways to benefit from the outcomes of the Global Conference in Bogota and the commitments made by Arab countries to end violence against children. It examined mechanisms for translating these commitments into practical measures and initiatives that support national and regional efforts to provide a safe and supportive environment for children.

The workshop concluded with a set of practical recommendations aimed at strengthening joint Arab cooperation and coordination, developing child protection mechanisms, addressing the consequences of violence, supporting the exchange of expertise, and building the institutional and professional capacities of relevant entities, thereby reinforcing Arab efforts to safeguard children’s rights and protect them from all forms of violence. (QNA)