The first ever National Conference on Violence against Children has begun at Kurumba Maldives Resort. The three day symposium is organized by Ministry of Gender and Family in collaboration with The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
The Government of Maldives has worked meticulously to formulate and strengthen policies in order to ensure prevention of violence against children. The achievement of these endeavors are evident, with policies being revised, and authorities coming together to work to ensure prevention of violence against children, according to Gender Ministry.
The National Conference on Violence against Children, organized by Gender Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF aims to bring together authorities in to discuss, formulate and strengthen policies relating to prevention of child abuse. The conference aims to identify the challenges faced in preventing child abuse and recognize ways to address the said challenges.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Minister of Gender and Family, Zeneesha Shaheed Zaki said that relevant authorities will deliberate on addressing challenges faced in preventing violence against children. The Minister noted that the conference will see drafting of a two year action plan on preventing child abuse and violence. Minister Zeneesha highlighted that people are more diligent in these matters, with reports of violence against children being reported more often.
The Minister referred to statistics, noting that by end of June this year, over 600 cases relating to violence against children were reported with the authorities. She expressed concern over the fact that in most cases children are bearing the violence and abuse through parents or family members, citing that number of children brought under the state's care is increasing significantly.
During the meeting, authorities deliberate and formulate an action plan on preventing violence and abuse against children. Speaking at the ceremony, UNICEF Representative to Maldives Alice Akunga commended the Maldivian Gender Ministry for its efforts in preventing violence against children. She referred to the existing laws on preventing child abuse and violence.
Gender Ministry states that the action plan will be launched by the first lady, Madam Fathimath Ibrahim at the closing ceremony of the conference. Over 50 representatives from different government authorities, NGOs and international organizations are participating in the conference. The National Conference on Violence against Children will continue will conclude on August 17.