Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has briefed the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence Against Children (SRSG/VAC), Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid, on achievements and initiatives in the field of protecting the rights of children, as outlined in the reform agenda of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The relevant discussions were held at a courtesy call paid the SRSG/VAC Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid to Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. During the call, Minister Shahid thanked the special representative for conducting a timely visit to the Maldives, as the administration is undertaking several efforts to create a more enabling environment to report crimes and ensure the swift delivery of justice. He assured the commitment to protect child rights while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead in implementing policies.
Special Representative Najat Maalla M'jid said the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and the ratification of the Child Rights Protection Act and the Juvenile Justice Act were clear demonstrations of the political will for positive change. Minister Shahid further stated the administration had reaffirmed the standing invitation to all Special Procedures Mandate Holders of the Human Rights Council, and said the administration will implement all recommendations in line with national laws and policies.