Health Ministry Orders Halt to Public Disclosure of Child Abuse Victim's Identity

The Ministry of Health, Family and Social Guidance has directed that private information of a child victim in a sexual abuse case involving a person in a position of trust must not be made public in any forum. Citing Article 35 of the Constitution of the Maldives, which mandates special assistance and protection for children, and the Children’s Rights Protection Act, the ministry emphasized that revealing personal details—such as names, addresses, educational institutions, or images—through media or other channels damages the child's dignity and violates the law. Article 33 of the act explicitly prohibits the disclosure of any information that could identify a child accused of a crime, a child victim, or a child requiring protection. The ministry warned that sharing such information in public discussions or to influence opinion constitutes a violation of a minor's rights. It called on all parties to respect this legal obligation and refrain from making such information public.