President Mohamed Nasheed today inaugurated the National Conference on Working together for the Protection of Children at Bandos Island Resort and Spa.
In his inaugural address, the President expressed concern over the increasing incidence of sexual, physical and psychological violence against children in the Maldives.
President Nasheed said the observations during his visits to the islands and reports by the government, the United Nations agencies, and other state and civil society institutions revealed the bleak picture of violence against children in the country. He said the extent to which violence against children prevalent in the country was unacceptable.
In the opening remarks of the conference, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to end all forms of violence against children and protect children’s rights.
The President said the society and individuals were at the heart of the government’s policy to eliminate violence against children and protect their rights.
President Nasheed highlighted his administration’s policy to address issues related to children.
He said the government’s policy was to provide targeted assistance to the children identified as vulnerable and at risk of violence or neglect through the social protection programme instigated by the administration.
The President underscored that the benefits of providing assistance directly to the children at risk outweigh the benefits of spending to set up systems and infrastructure to work for the protection of children.
He expressed hope of formulating a standard to measure the effectiveness of the government’s social protection programme in addressing the issue of child protection and rights.
