Child Protection Committee mulls regulating the work of child protection committees across governorates

Oman's Child Protection Committee convened its first meeting of 2026 to unify and regulate child protection efforts throughout the Sultanate's governorates. Chaired by Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, the committee emphasized the need for consolidated public awareness campaigns and specialized training for personnel working in child protection. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Social Development headquarters in Muscat, reviewed proposals and initiatives from relevant departments and assessed progress on recommendations from the previous year's meetings. A significant focus was placed on the pervasive influence of digital media on children and the development of effective strategies for protecting them from abuse, including robust early detection mechanisms. The committee also explored technical requirements for improving electronic systems that support the management and monitoring of child protection cases. Enhancing electronic integration and data sharing between the central committee and various departments was also a key discussion point. Additionally, the committee addressed the educational and health aspects concerning children under public care and accommodation services, while also monitoring the performance of regional child protection committees across Oman.