DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Over the past three years, male and female inmates in Dubai have received a total of Dh26,663,703 in financial and in-kind aid. This support, provided by the Dubai Police's Punitive and Correctional Establishments through its Humanitarian Care Section, encompasses a wide range of assistance.
Brigadier Marwan Abdul Karim Julfar, Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments at Dubai Police, emphasised the Humanitarian Care Section's continued support for inmates, including women and their families. This effort aligns with the guidance of Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, and his assistant for Criminal Investigation Affairs, Expert Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri.
"Furthermore, these initiatives are in accordance with the state's legislative system and policies and contribute to the promotion of a culture of human rights, regardless of racial or cultural backgrounds," he added.
"We firmly believe that inmates require a holistic system of care encompassing educational, vocational, and healthcare components, catering to their physical and mental well-being and granting them the freedom to practise their religious rituals. Our primary goal of punishment is to assess and rehabilitate individuals. In addition, we implement various initiatives, events, and programmes that bolster the system and guide inmates toward the right path, empowering them to embrace a new life filled with optimism and hope. This transformation enables them to pursue honourable vocations and cultivate positive values, allowing them to support themselves and their families," he said.
He also acknowledged the significant contributions of charitable organisations and philanthropists in supporting these initiatives.
"These efforts vividly reflect the values deeply ingrained in Emirati society, characterised by solidarity, tolerance, generosity, and compassion. Additionally, effective and fruitful partnerships between the public and private sectors serve as a means of support for collective humanitarian and community initiatives," said Brig. Julfar.
Funding Distribution
Captain Habib Al Zarouni, Head of the Humanitarian Care Section, detailed the allocation of the over Dh26 million in donations. "Charitable institutions and organisations are key partners in helping inmates and their families, especially those facing financial difficulties, to alleviate their hardships. It is worth noting the generous individuals who promptly donate and alleviate the burdens, aligning with the principle of social solidarity emphasised by our noble Islamic faith," he said.
According to Al Zarouni, the Dh26,663,703 in aid that was disbursed to inmates and their families over the last three years included Dh7,900,474 in travel tickets and related expenses, Dh808,100 in community initiatives, Dh1,086,200 in supporting programmes, Dh61,885 in medical aid, Dh503,300 in family support, Dh313,657 in tuition fees and school supplies, Dh2,059,000 to settle blood money (Diyya), Dh13,779,490 to settle debts of inmates, and Dh151,597 for inmates and their families' necessities.
Al Zarouni highlighted that the humanitarian aid significantly improves the living conditions of inmates and their families, covering a range of needs. "These generous contributions include assisting financially disadvantaged individuals with housing rent, covering educational expenses for their children, and providing essential living and medical supplies.
Moreover, the aid includes monthly cash assistance for those with limited resources, medical assistance like wheelchairs and glasses, covering childbirth expenses for female inmates, issuing birth certificates for their children, providing necessary items for infants, Eid clothing, personal hygiene products, and various other forms of humanitarian assistance," Al Zarouni said.