H.E. Sayyid Saud Hilal Al Busaidi, the governor of Muscat and the council’s chairman, presided over the ninth meeting of the Municipal Council of the Governorate of Muscat this year.
Muscat – The meeting focused on reviewing the statement of the Ministry of Social Development regarding the Child Protection Committee in Muscat Governorate.
The statement, presented by Imad bin Mohammed bin Saif Al Saidi, Head of the Protection Section at the Family Protection Department, outlined three key areas: child protection committees, the child protection hotline, and the role of child protection delegates.
Al Saidi highlighted the formation of ‘Child Protection Committees’ across the Sultanate’s governorates. These committees, which include representatives from several government bodies such as the Ministries of Social Development, Education, and Health, as well as the Royal Oman Police, the Public Prosecution, and civil society organizations, are tasked with receiving reports of violations against children. This includes cases of violence, exploitation, or abuse. The committees take the necessary actions, including conducting studies, following up on cases, and developing rehabilitation plans. They also collaborate with relevant institutions to monitor, evaluate, and propose recommendations for better child protection practices.
One of the crucial tools in this effort is the child protection hotline, which operates around the clock. The free service, accessible by dialling 1100, ensures complete confidentiality and protection of the identity of the reporter.
The meeting also covered additional topics, including the approval of the minutes from the Council’s eighth meeting, where the work plan for 2025 was reviewed along with several important topics. The Social Affairs Committee discussed plans for social development committees and volunteer teams, while the Health and Environmental Affairs Committee reviewed recommendations concerning water wells in the Governorate of Muscat. Furthermore, the Governorate Development and Planning Committee proposed the allocation of a bus entrance at Jamila Bint Thabit Basic Education School in the Wilayat of Seeb.
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