United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children (SRSD/VAC) Dr Najat Maalla M’jid has paid a courtesy call on First Lady Fazna Ahmed. The call was held at the Presidential Residence, Mulee-aage today.

First Lady Fazna Ahmed extended warm greetings to SRSD/VAC Dr Najat Maalla M’jid upon her arrival at Mulee-aage. She also commended the Special Representative for her efforts to eliminate violence against children worldwide.

During the call, the First Lady and Special Representative discussed recent cases of Violence against Children and systematic ways to prevent these violations. First Lady Fazna Ahmed highlighted several issues, including the need for more capacity development of social workers. She also noted with gratitude UNICEF’s partnership with the Ministry of Education to involve students and children to comment on the Education Act, highlighting the importance of including children’s voices in these issues.

Speaking at the call, Dr M’jid congratulated and thanked President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Government of Maldives for the endeavours undertaken to protect children from negligence, abuse and violence. She welcomed the systematic remedies brought by the current government to ensure the protection of child rights, including the ratification of The Child Rights Protection Act and the establishment of the Presidential Commission to Inquire into Child Rights Violations. She also commended the First Lady’s efforts and engagement in child protection issues. First Lady Fazna Ahmed is a UNICEF Ambassador for child rights.

United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children (SRSD/VAC) Dr Najat Maalla M’jid was accompanied by the UN Resident Coordinator to the Maldives, Ms. Catherine Haswell, UN Senior Advisor and General Lien, Mr. Andrew Henry Claypole, along with the UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, Dr. Munir Safieldin.