Ministry of Gender and Family has launched the first National Action Plan on Violence Against Children. The Action Plan, compiled with contribution from relevant stakeholders, was inaugurated at a special ceremony held today at Kurumba Maldives, by the Chief Guest First Lady Madam Fathimath Ibrahim.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Gender and Family H. E. Zenysha Shaheed Zaki noted that “the formulation of the Action Plan is an important milestone towards efforts to protect children against violence” and highlighted that “the success of the Action Plan depends on strengthening coordination amongst implementing authorities and ensuring timely action to provide protection for vulnerable children.” Minister Zenysha also stressed the importance of recognizing the signs of abuse and alerting the authorities of suspected child abuse.
Addressing the ceremony, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives Dr. Alice Akunga acknowledged the progress Maldives has made in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, especially in the area of protection and promotion of child rights, during her 3 year tenure in the Maldives. She further noted the Government’s efforts to expedite improvements in the sector and assured UNICEF’s commitment to work with Maldives to advance the rights of children in the country.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mushrif Vaaiz AlSheikh Izzudeen Adhunaan from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs stated that violence against children is prohibited in Islam and stressed that children should not be subjected to violence under any circumstances, even as a form of discipline. He also noted that misconceptions on this subject should be eliminated from the society.
The National Action Plan on Violence against Children has been formulated for 2 years following deliberations at the National Conference on Violence against Children, held from 15 to 17 August 2017. A total of 59 participants, including state and government officials, members of Civil Society Organizations and international experts participated in the conference.
17 August 2017