MUSCAT – The Ministry stated that it has followed reports of abuse against children by specialists working in a center concerned with the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and has decided to temporarily stop the centre’s services. The Ministry statement reads as follows: “We would like to clarify that the Ministry intervened immediately upon receiving the communication, as the specialized team visited the center to find out the details and rationale of the matter.

“Based on the results of the visit, the Ministry issued a decision to stop the center from providing its services until further notice and to refer the violators to the competent authorities through the Child Protection Committee for investigation and to take the necessary legal measures. “While the Ministry extends its sincere thanks to those interested for their interaction and follow-up to deliver the message to the competent authorities, it affirms its keen interest in caring for children with disabilities, preserving their psychological and physical safety, and continuous follow-up to provide the best rehabilitation services. “We also inform you that the Ministry receives abuse reports and complaints through the Ministry’s call center 1555, in addition to the child protection number 1100.”