This week, I’ve been in Dubai as part of the coordinating team for the Regional Consultation of Child Helplines in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region. The city’s vibrant energy perfectly reflected the passion and commitment of the people gathered. We were united by one goal: to elevate and amplify the voices of children and young people, ensuring they have the help and protection they deserve – especially in times of crisis.
This consultation brought together a dedicated cohort of individuals from child helplines across the region, representing Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia and both Dubai and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
Each participant, from helpline operators to child protection experts and law enforcement representatives, contributed unique insights, experiences, and resilience. It was hard not to feel both humbled and inspired by their commitment to ensuring every child has access to a lifeline service in moments of need.
Session Summaries
Over the course of three packed days, we covered a range of vital topics:
Session 1: AI and Child Helplines: We began with a deep dive into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in child protection and how it could support child helpline services. Topics included insights into AI and child helplines, and their role in protecting children’s rights. We also touched on AI’s potential for collecting data for reporting systems. While we discussed the many benefits of AI, we also compared its risks, comparing the needs of corporate solutions as opposed to child helpline solutions.
Session 2: Responding to Violence and Exploitation During Crises: This session focused on strategies for ending violence against children, particularly in times of crisis. Topics ranged from gender-based violence (GBV) in conflict zones to emergency protocols and coordination in humanitarian settings. Participants shared insights on how organizations can ensure that interventions are trauma-informed and culturally sensitive, with a focus on providing rapid support in areas where infrastructure and resources are limited. The need for streamlined emergency procedures and cross-organizational coordination was a key takeaway from these discussions.
Session 3: Case Management: With case management being central to effective child helpline services, this session centred on sharing a variety of models and best practices from four of our member child helplines in Dubai, Tunisia, Jordan and Algeria.
Session 4: Case Management in Emergencies: Here, we delved into the standards required for child helplines to operate effectively in emergencies – be it human-made, environmental or health crisis. Topics included contingency plans and risk assessments to help prepare services before a crisis should occur. Participants engaged in group discussions shared lessons learned from past experiences.
Session 5: Mental Health: Addressing the mental health needs of children affected by violence and exploitation was the focus of this session. Dr Hussein Masseh took us through an informative presentation on adverse childhood experiences and the effects of trauma.
Session 6: Data Collection: The final session revolved around the importance of child helpline data in advocacy and policy development. We discussed different data-driven approaches to developing policies that prevent violence against children and the need for accurate reporting. Participants shared strategies to improve regional data representation.
Reflections and Takeaways
The Regional Consultation underscored the complex but critical work that child helplines undertake. Despite the unique challenges each country faces – whether due to conflict, limited resources, or social complexities – there was an unmistakable sense of optimism and solidarity in every session. Leaders from across the region shared stories of resilience and culturally informed, trauma-sensitive responses to issues such as violence, exploitation and emergency cases.
Looking Ahead
As we look towards the International Consultation in Zambia in June 2025, I am filled with optimism. This week in Dubai has been a powerful reminder that, despite the complexities of the region, our members here are united in our mission to protect and empower children and young people. I’m leaving Dubai inspired by the people I’ve met, each and every one of them a torchbearer for a brighter, better future for children and young people in the MENA region.
Laura Holliday
Learning Coordinator
