The government has published the general regulations under the Child Rights Protection Act in the Government Gazette.
The regulations under the Child Rights Protection Act requires Child and Family Protection Service to report any crimes against children to Maldives Police Service (MPS) within 24 hours after receiving information of the crime. Any act which causes physical or psychological harm to children is classified as a crime under the Child Rights Protection Act.
Child and Family Protection Service, which was established under the Child Rights Protection Act, is mandated with the responsibilities of protecting children from discrimination, bias, harm, cruel punishment and neglect as well as physical and emotional abuse. As such, the agency is tasked with providing support and assistance to children and their family members in need of assistance, and overseeing all matters related to fostering children under state care. The agency is also required to collaborate with National Drug Agency (NDA) in facilitating the treatment and rehabilitation of children who become victims of drug abuse.
The aim of the Child Rights Protection Act is to strengthen the legal framework in reporting and taking action on crimes against children. Statistics from the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services indicate crimes against children, involving physical, psychological and sexual abuse, have been increasing in the Maldives.