Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour Launches Child Protection Training Program in Marib Based on the Unified Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour Launches Child Protection Training Program in Marib Based on the Unified Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Under the directives of the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, Mr. Mukhtar Al-Yafaei, the Ministry's Undersecretary for the Care Sector, Saleh Mahmoud Abu Suhail, today inaugurated a training program in Marib Governorate for child protection practitioners on the Unified Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Child Protection and Referral Pathways. The program is part of the Ministry's plan to implement the National Child Protection Plan (2026–2029).
In his opening remarks, Undersecretary Saleh Mahmoud Abu Suhail stated that the Ministry has adopted the Unified Standard Operating Procedures Manual as the primary reference for all professionals working in the child protection sector. He explained that the manual will help ensure the delivery of standardized, professional services in line with internationally recognized standards and best practices.
At the beginning of his speech, the Undersecretary conveyed the greetings of the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, Mr. Mukhtar Al-Yafaei, to the participants, wishing them success throughout the training.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Al-Bakri, Deputy Governor of Marib for Administrative Affairs, highlighted the importance of the program in harmonizing working mechanisms among all partners and improving responses to cases involving vulnerable children. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts to ensure a safe environment that protects children's rights and provides them with the necessary protection.
For his part, Abdulhakim Al-Qaisi, Director General of the Office of Social Affairs and Labour in Marib Governorate, explained that the program aims to train 32 social workers affiliated with the office, enabling them to gain a comprehensive understanding of the manual's core components. These include child protection principles, case identification, referral procedures, documentation, and case follow-up. He added that the program forms part of the office's strategy to strengthen the child protection system in the governorate amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.
In turn, Mujahid Ali, representative of Save the Children, expressed his appreciation to the leadership of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, the technical team, and the local authority in Marib for their efforts in implementing the program. He emphasized that the project seeks to strengthen the capacities of local professionals to manage child protection cases according to unified standards, ensuring timely intervention and the best possible response for the most vulnerable children.
The eight-day training program is being implemented as part of a broader project covering several liberated governorates, including Aden, Lahj, Abyan, Al-Dhalea, Marib, and Al Hudaydah. The initiative falls within the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour and its partners to strengthen the child protection system and enhance the capacities of professionals working in the sector.
The launch ceremony was attended by Ihab Babreesh, Director General of Social Defence at the Ministry's headquarters, along with representatives of government institutions and national and international organizations working in the field of child protection.
