First Lady Fazna Ahmed has stated that children need to have a direct role in the policy-making process that affects their well-being. She made the remark during the opening of the Regional Consultation of Child Rights Institutions of South Asia held in Bandos Maldives.
At the conference, First Lady Fazna spoke about the importance of involving children in the decision-making process that affects them and urged all relevant stakeholders to consult children about their needs and what is best for them at every stage of the policy-making process. She also praised the Regional Consultation for holding a consultation session with children and youth.
Additionally, First Lady Fazna said that promoting and protecting children's rights is a top policy priority for the administration. She said that the Maldives ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1991 and that significant progress has been made in establishing a proper legislative framework on child rights at the national level. She, however, said more work must be done to consolidate these achievements.
Furthermore, First Lady Fazna emphasised the role of schools, parents, and guardians in educating children about their rights, how to exercise them, and how to seek assistance if they are violated. She also noted that civil society organisations can play a critical role in bridging the gap between policymakers and communities to raise awareness of child rights. She added that children are the agents of change in the future and that the investments made for their well-being today will determine the course of national development in the future.