Article 6 of the Saudi Child Protection Law
المادة 6 من نظام حماية الطفل · الفصل الثاني: حق الطفل في الحماية
The article provides the child's right to protection from all forms of abuse or neglect.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
للطفل الحق في الحماية من كل أشكال الإيذاء أو الإهمال.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 6 explained in plain English
This article provides an express right for the child: protection from all forms of abuse or neglect. The child here is anyone who has not exceeded eighteen.
To understand the scope of this right, refer to the definitions in Article 1:
- Abuse includes any mistreatment or exploitation of the child, or the threat of it, including physical, psychological and sexual abuse.
- Neglect is failing to provide the child's basic needs or falling short in them, such as health, emotional, educational and safety needs, among others.
The phrase "all forms" means the protection is not limited to visible physical abuse but extends to psychological abuse and to neglect of non-material needs. This article follows Article 5, which gives the child priority in protection, care and relief, and is followed by Article 7, which addresses the child's right to alternative care when a suitable family environment is not available.
This right belongs to the child personally and does not depend on the status of the person causing the harm. Anyone who believes a child has suffered abuse or neglect and wants to know what can be done in a particular case can consult a lawyer who specializes in personal status or criminal cases.
Practical example
A mother in Abha notices that her neighbors' son is left without enough food for days. Failing to provide basic needs is neglect under Article 1, and under this article the child has the right to be protected from it.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 6 of the Saudi Child Protection Law
Does a child have a legal right to protection from neglect?
Yes. The article provides that the child has the right to protection from all forms of abuse or neglect.
Does the right cover psychological abuse?
Yes. The article covers all forms of abuse, and Article 1 counts psychological mistreatment among them.
More articles on Child Rights and Alternative Care
- Article 5
The article provides that the child has priority in enjoying protection, care and relief in all circumstances.
للطفل - في جميع الأحوال - أولوية التمتع بالحماية والرعاية والإغاثة.
- Article 7
The article gives a child who lacks a suitable family environment the right to alternative care through a foster family, or social care institutions if no family is available.
للطفل الذي لا تتوافر له بيئة عائلية مناسبة، قد يتعرض فيها للإيذاء أو الإهمال؛ الحق في الرعاية البديلة من خلال ما يأتي: 1 - الأسرة الحاضنة التي تتولى كفالته ورعا
- Article 15Amended by M/72
The article makes the parents or whoever cares for the child responsible for the child's upbringing and protection within their capabilities, guarantees visitation rights on separation, and gives the mother the right to custody unless a court judgment provides otherwise.
1- يعد والدا الطفل - أو أحدهما ، أو من يقوم على رعايته - مسؤولين في حدود إمكاناتهما المالية وقدراتهما عن تربيته وضمان حقوقه، والعمل على توفير الرعاية له، وحمايت
- Article 16
The article requires all authorities to take the child's interest into account and expedite procedures concerning the child, and to consider the child's mental, psychological, physical, upbringing and educational needs.
على جميع الجهات مراعاة مصلحة الطفل في جميع الإجراءات التي تتخذ في شأنه والإسراع في إنجازها، ومراعاة حاجاته العقلية، والنفسية، والجسدية، والتربوية، والتعليمية، ب
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.