Vice President Faisal Naseem has urged the public to ensure that every child in the Maldives can grow up safe, with their heads held high, and with bright prospects. He made the remarks in a video message published on the occasion of World Children’s Day, which was marked on November 20.
In his message, Vice President Faisal Naseem noted providing a safe environment for children to grow is part of the principles President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration is committed to ensuring in the Maldives. In this regard, the vice president went on to note that the administration ratified the Child Rights Protection Act and the Juvenile Justice Act to deliver on its responsibility to safeguard the rights of children proactively. The two laws came into force on November 20.
Speaking further, the vice president stressed that the domestic child rights protection legislation aligns with core international standards as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child, and its optional protocols. The vice president highlighted that the administration has created a Child Rights Ombudsperson’s Office, to ensure government compliance with these standards. He noted the Child Rights Ombudsperson’s Office will work with the full autonomy and resources required to hold the government accountable to its commitments. He added upholding these rights calls for all stakeholders in the national system to coordinate and cooperate to better protect the rights of children.
Concluding his remarks, the vice president noted that much still needs to be done in the government’s pledge to protect the rights of every child. He went on to express alarm towards violation of children’s rights, calling on everyone to collectively do better by the nation’s youth.