Sharjah Launches Arabic Guidelines to Combat Child Sexual Exploitation

Feb 17, 2026

83 min

Feb 17, 2026 03:30

Sharjah initiative sets new regional standard to combat child sexual exploitation

## New Initiative in Sharjah

Sharjah has introduced a groundbreaking initiative to tackle child sexual exploitation across the Arab world. This effort involves creating the first Arabic version of globally recognized guidelines on protection terminology. The Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation (KSQF) is collaborating with ECPAT International to translate and culturally adapt these guidelines, aiming to provide a unified reference for Arabic-speaking regions.

## Addressing Fragmented Terminology

The initiative seeks to address the challenges posed by fragmented terminology in legislation, media, and institutional responses. By establishing a shared, survivor-centered language, the guidelines aim to enhance coordination among legal, medical, and policy stakeholders. The original guidelines, published in 2016 and translated into nine languages, will now include Arabic, following the release of an updated edition in March 2025.

## Global and Regional Context

The need for clear terminology is underscored by global statistics from UNICEF, which estimate that millions of children have experienced sexual violence. The rise of digital abuse has further intensified concerns, with a significant increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse material reported in 2025.

## Collaborative Development

The Arabic edition will be developed through consultations with regional experts and survivor-led organizations to ensure cultural relevance. The project, fully funded by KSQF, will include translation, technical review, and validation phases, with a digital version expected by late 2026.

## Importance of Language

Lujan Mourad, Director of KSQF, emphasized the critical role of language in shaping protection systems. Guillaume Landry of ECPAT International highlighted how responsible language can influence societal responses to abuse. The initiative aims to empower children and ensure informed choices that support and respect them.

## Strengthening Regional Cooperation...

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