The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has opened a vital child protection center in Halabja’s Khurmal district. This step marks a significant milestone in advancing child protection in Halabja, a repeated priority for regional authorities. The new facility aims to address the increasing need for services that safeguard children from harm.
During a recent visit to Halabja, KRG Labor and Social Affairs Minister Kwestan Mohammed directed the establishment of the center. Dana Hamashareef, director of social monitoring and development in the province, confirmed the minister’s decision. He noted that this is the first center of its kind in Khurmal.
The facility will offer a network of essential services to monitor, protect, and support at-risk children. It will also coordinate preventive measures that reduce the chances of abuse and neglect. This move expands the Ministry’s operations in the province and strengthens efforts to protect children.
Densely populated areas such as Halabja often expose children to heightened risks. Poverty, insecurity, and lack of basic services make children more vulnerable. With this center now operational, the region will be better equipped to respond to these challenges.
Hamashareef stated that the new center will fall under the authority of the province’s social monitoring and development directorate. This ensures full coordination with other local departments to deliver effective protection. The goal is to build a safer and more responsive support system for all children in the district.
Laws and regulations already prohibit all forms of child abuse, violence, and economic exploitation. These rules promote the protection of childhood, family care, and the development of youth. However, enforcement gaps often leave children without protection when they need it most.
In many cases, abuse goes unreported. Social stigma and lack of access to resources prevent families from seeking help. This makes the presence of a child protection center even more critical. It provides a dedicated space where cases can be monitored and addressed quickly.
Efforts like this one highlight the growing commitment to child protection in Halabja. By creating local centers, the government brings services closer to the communities that need them. As more districts follow this example, child protection in Halabja and nearby areas will continue to improve.
Continued investment in similar centers will ensure that children across the region receive the care and protection they deserve.