Maldives to Review Child Rights Act to Improve Legal Protections for Children

The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare has announced the commencement of a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Protection Act. The legislation, ratified in November 2019 and enacted in February 2020, replaced an outdated statutory framework from 1991 to better align child protection with modern standards. Speaking on the PSM News programme 'Raajje Miadhu', Zeenaz Adnan, Minister of State for Health, Family and Welfare, emphasized that the review is necessary to determine which legislative amendments are required to strengthen the current system. She noted that the process will be evidence-based, utilizing gathered data and collaborating with all stakeholders operating within the child protection network. This domestic review coincides with international commitments. Minister Zeenaz stated that the Maldives has submitted its combined sixth and seventh periodic reports under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Furthermore, the government has acceded to the Bogotá Call to Action, which focuses on ending violence against children. In line with recommendations from the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the ministry is currently formulating a policy to ensure children are consulted on matters that directly affect them. A final draft of this policy is expected by the end of the year. While legislative updates are critical, experts warn that the focus must extend beyond the written law. Mohamed Naeem, a child protection specialist, argued that assessing enforcement records and identifying operational bottlenecks is essential. He cautioned that enacting a law is often simpler than ensuring its consistent application on the ground. Naeem stressed the need to examine implementation hurdles to ensure that the duties assigned to families and institutions—designed to protect the most vulnerable children—are effectively carried out across the archipelago.