First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has officially launched the National Action Plan on Prevention and Response to Violence Against Children, a comprehensive five-year strategic plan set to be implemented from 2024 to 2028. This initiative aims to safeguard children across multiple key areas, including the household, school environment, society, online platforms, and through relevant authorities, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a violence-free environment for all children.
The action plan includes the establishment of a system to provide direct assistance to children in need of protection and support. It also outlines the implementation of awareness programs for parents to help create a safe environment for children. Additionally, strategies will be developed to rescue children exposed to violence within the family. The plan also addresses issues related to bullying in schools, drawing on findings from academic research.
At the launch ceremony, Minister of Social and Family Development Dr. Aishath Shiham highlighted the significant progress made in child protection in the Maldives. She stressed that violence against children should not be tolerated in a developed society and called for collective efforts to address this critical issue. The minister also condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestine, drawing attention to the grave situation faced by Palestinian children who are deprived of their fundamental human rights.
The National Action Plan was launched during a special ceremony attended by ministers, the Representative of United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to the Maldives, and various organisations and administrative authorities dedicated to protecting children's rights.