Community Development Authority launches 2nd Student Competition for Human Rights

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Community Development Authority (CDA) launched the 2^nd Student Competition for Human Rights under the slogan, ‘A generation aware of its rights’, as part of CDA’s efforts to spread awareness about children’s rights. 

H.E. Khaled Al Kamda, Director General of the CDA, said that the initiatives launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the field of human rights, especially child protection, are excellent examples for governments all over the world. 

Held in cooperation with Dubai Education Zone and Knowledge and Human Development Authority,  as well as a number of disability and special needs centers in Dubai, the competition is focused on children’s rights this year. 

“Our wise leadership has offered comprehensive care for the citizens and residents of this country and ensured their rights are protected from the day they are born, considering each individual an integral part of the country’s development process,” H.E. pointed out. 

The competition aims to raise awareness on child rights among students, and encourage them to express their opinions and develop their skills in fields such as art and literature. It is also intended to train children on critical thinking to enable him to identify challenges that face him at home or in the society. 

Dr Omar Al Sahmsi, CEO of Human Rights Sector at CDA, said: “We are committed to launch successful initiatives aimed at spreading the culture of human rights in all areas in cooperation with our strategic partners, considering it an important tool in national development. This competition will play a key role in raising awareness on child’s rights among students.” 

This year, the competition targets students from private and government schools, as well as disability centers, in line with the CDA’s vision to enhance the communication with all social categories and integrate children with disabilities into the community to enable them to become key players in the country’s development. 

The competition agenda includes a number of programmes such as a drawing competition as well as short story, poetry, photography and calligraphy contests. Participations must be submitted by 21^st of March 2013. 

Last year, the competition witnessed the participation of 90 students from 26 schools, and CDA honored 43 winners, the judging panel members and the participating schools. It is expected that the competition for the current year will attract more participation.