Ministry of Social Development and UNICEF Launch Child Protection Manual to Strengthen Unified National Response Mechanisms

Muscat, 16th June 2025 – The Ministry of Social Development, in collaboration with UNICEF Oman, has officially launched the updated Child Protection Manual, marking a significant milestone in Oman’s ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection referral mechanisms and case management systems and ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child in the Sultanate.
The revised manual serves as a comprehensive, practical guide for frontline workers across sectors—including social workers, educators, healthcare providers, and law enforcement—to enhance coordination, streamline referrals, and ensure timely and effective response to cases of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders from government entities, civil society, and international partners to reaffirm their collective commitment to promoting a child-safe Oman. The updated manual incorporates global best practices while being tailored to Oman’s legal, social, and institutional context.
Sayyida Maani bint Abdullah Al Busaidi, Director General of Family Development and Head of Child Protection Committee at the Ministry of Social Development. highlighted the significance of the manual in supporting the implementation of Oman’s national child protection frameworks and aligning with the priorities of Oman Vision 2040 and child law.
H.E. Sumaira Chowdhury, the UNICEF Oman Representative, noted: “This manual is not just a reference tool—it is a symbol of our shared responsibility to act with urgency and compassion whenever a child is at risk. It reflects UNICEF's ongoing support to the Government of Oman in building systems that protect all children, everywhere.”
The manual is a key output of the broader collaboration between the Ministry and UNICEF to strengthen case management systems and enhance the skills of child protection practitioners. It also complements ongoing initiatives aimed at raising awareness, preventing violence, and promoting child-friendly policies and environments.
UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Development will soon roll out a series of Training of Trainers workshops across governorates to ensure effective dissemination and unified application of the manual.