Health Minister Calls for Collective Action to Ensure Child Safety and Rights

Health, Family, and Welfare Minister Geela Ali has emphasized that creating a safe society for children requires a unified, collective effort across all levels of community and government. Speaking at the inauguration of the "Consultation on Child Rights" at the Meerumaa Hotel, the Minister highlighted the critical importance of shared responsibility in safeguarding the nation's youth. During her keynote address marking National Children’s Day, Minister Geela noted that the Maldives has focused relentlessly in recent years on reinforcing child-rights policies and formulating robust legislation. She pointed to the Maldives' commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, stating that ratifying the international treaty has been instrumental in identifying priority areas for protecting the most vulnerable populations. According to the Minister, these efforts are already yielding tangible results. The Ministry of Health, Family, and Welfare is currently prioritizing the mental and social well-being of the population to create a more supportive environment for children to grow. This strategy includes the strengthening of the Children’s Rights Protection Act and the implementation of widespread public-awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to ensure that every child has access to quality education and that society becomes more sensitive to the specific entitlements and needs of minors. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, the government intends to build a sustainable framework for child protection. The event also served as a platform for creative outreach, featuring the launch of "Amaanaaiy," a specialized child-rights magazine unveiled by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed. Organized by the Ministry of Health, Family, and Welfare, the "Discussion on Child Rights" consultation brings together stakeholders to deliberate on the systemic challenges children face in the Maldives. The forum aims to chart clear, actionable pathways to improve protection mechanisms and ensure the long-term safety of the country's youngest citizens.