Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has met with Maldives Police Service (MPS) to discuss the final preparations before the implementation of Child Rights Protection Act. The meeting was attended by Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi and Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed.
The act includes the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders including children, parents, the state and the community. The act protects children from discrimination, bias, harm, cruel punishment, neglect and physical and emotional abuse. It also carries privileges granted to children such as the right to education, learning, safety and security.
The act also grants special needs children with appropriate rights to better preserve their wellness. Children are granted the rights to protect from illicit cultural and social activities while they are also given the right to have a name, registration and freedom. They must also be given the right to know their parents and get their protection. According to the act, parents are required to register, educate, look after and be responsible for harm caused on others by the child.
Meanwhile, the state is mandated to support and make parents responsible and involve them in decision making. The act requires the state to set a national support and protection system for children. A council to oversee all matters regarding child protection must be established within 60 days from the date of implementation of the act.
The administration decided to enact a child rights protection bill to adhere more closely to international child protection conventions. Child Rights Protection Act will be implemented on February 20.