Child-Friendly Interview Rooms established in GA. Villingili and GDh. Thinadhoo

Child-friendly interview rooms have been established in the Family and Children’s Service Centers (FCSC) of Gaafu Alif Atoll Villingili and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Thinadhoo.

Established with the support from UNICEF Maldives and Maldives Police Service, the child-friendly interview room in GA. Villingili was inaugurated by Minister of Gender and Family Ms. Zenysha Shaheed Zaki. The child friendly interview room in GDh Thinadhoo was opened by Minister of State for Gender and Family Dr. Marium Jabyn.

Speaking at the opening ceremony held in GA. Villingili, Minister Zenysha noted that the majority of reports made to the Ministry are cases of violence against children and highlighted the need to establish child-friendly interview rooms to help minimize the trauma experienced by children during the investigation process. She also stated that the government aimed to establish child-friendly interview rooms in all atolls of the Maldives by the end of the year.

With the establishment of child-friendly interview rooms, the Ministry hopes to create an enabling environment to interview child victims of violence, abuse and neglect and strengthen related investigations. In this regard, child-friendly interview rooms have been established in Faafu Atoll Nilandhoo and Dhaalu Atoll Kudahuvadhoo during March this year.

05 May 2018