ME-ALLIANCE LEGAL UPDATE
The Council of Ministers has issued Resolution No. (54) of 2024, implementing the executive regulations of Federal Decree Law No. (24) of 2022. This law governs the proportional relationship concerning children of unknown parentage.
Measures When a Child is Found
*Police Responsibilities:
•Transport the child to a safe facility.
•Gather necessary information for DNA testing.
•Document the location and circumstances of the finding.
•Refer the case to the Public Prosecution within 24 hours.
*Health Ministry Responsibilities:
•Provide immediate medical care.
•Estimate the child’s age and issue a birth notification.
•Prepare a comprehensive medical report.
•Transfer the child to the appropriate facility after clearance from the Public Prosecution.
*Public Prosecution Responsibilities:
•Investigate the child’s lineage.
•Refer the child to the appropriate health or social services within six months.
Naming and Documentation:
*Choosing a Full Name:
•No indication of kinship.
•Respectful and dignified name.
•Compatible with UAE societal norms.
*Issuing Official Documents:
•Coordinate with authorities to issue birth certificates and health cards.
•Obtain identity cards and other necessary documents.
Handling Violence, Error, or Negligence:
*Social Researcher Responsibilities:
•Prepare detailed reports on incidents of violence, error, or negligence.
•Refer medical reports and incident details to relevant authorities.
Foster Families Committee:
*Membership:
Representatives from various ministries and federal authorities.
Custody Application Requirements:
*Data Required
•Applicant’s and family member’s details.
•Employment and nationality information.
•Residence address and other specified data.
*Documents Required:
•Identity and passport copies.
•Marriage certificate or proof of marital status.
•Financial statements and salary certificates.
•Health and criminal status certificates.
Additional Provisions:
*Custody of Multiple Children:
•Financial and social capability required.
•Specific conditions for different genders and disabilities.
*Financial Support:
•Fixed monthly income above a minimum threshold.
•No history of insolvency or bankruptcy within the past two years.
*Disclosure of Social Reality:
•Gradual and supervised disclosure of the child’s background.
•Disclosure to be done under ministry or local authority supervision.
*Temporary Custody Transfers:
Allowed within the extended family for up to two months with prior notification and approval.
*Returning the Child to Home:
•Notification and detailed reporting required.
•Committee decision within ten days, or 24 hours in urgent cases.
Field Visits and Reports:
*Social Researcher Duties:
•Conduct regular visits to ensure the child’s needs are met.
•Prepare detailed reports on the child’s living, educational, and health status.
Electronic Record:
*Data to be Recorded:
•Child’s name, gender, date of birth, and finding details.
•Personal data of the finder and involved authorities.
•Health and educational status of the child.
*Extracts from the Register:
•Request for extracts must justify the need.
•Confidential information excluded.
Resolution No. (54) of 2024 establishes comprehensive guidelines for handling cases of children of unknown parentage, ensuring their welfare and integration into society. It provides a clear framework for authorities to follow, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of these children. Legal Update Reference; Password: 2024