New Mediation Program Launched as Study Shows Children Suffer Most From Divorce

The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare has launched the National Family Mediation Training Programme following a research report revealing that children bear the heaviest emotional burden during marital breakdowns. The study indicates that the vulnerabilities experienced by children and women during various stages of family life are significant, with divorce-related stress impacting children more severely than their parents. Speaking at the launch, Minister Geela Ali emphasized that the challenges facing children often begin long before a legal separation occurs. She noted that delicate situations within the home can create obstacles to a child's development and progress, making the intervention of trained professionals critical to mitigating long-term harm. “Delicate situations in family disputes do not arise at the point of divorce,” Minister Geela stated. “They occur within families where children face many situations that can challenge their progress.” To address these systemic issues, the government is expanding mediation services beyond the capital, Male'. The initiative aims to integrate trained mediators into every magistrate court across the Maldives, ensuring that families in distant atolls have access to professional support before disputes escalate into permanent separations. According to the Ministry, the cornerstone of a resilient society is a strong family unit. By providing mediation, the government hopes to help couples fulfill their parental responsibilities even after a separation and resolve conflicts before they reach a breaking point. Training for mediators and trainers is scheduled to commence in July. This rollout is part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s broader policy to foster a healthier society by strengthening family relationships and protecting the most vulnerable members of the community from the instability of domestic conflict.