Ministry of Gender and Family has launched a National Action Plan on violence against children.
The plan was launched by First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim in a ceremony in Kurumba Maldives.
Speaking in the ceremony, Minister of Gender and Family Zeneesha Shaheed Zaki said launching a dedicated plan to combatting violence on children was a first for the nation. She said the biggest achievement of the plan will be on strengthening the coordination between agencies and to provide immediate assistance to children at risk. The Minister further appealed to agencies to be mindful of the changes in at risk children and to bring these issues to the attention of relevant agencies.
UNICEF Representative in the Maldives Alice Akunga highlighted on the achievements of Maldives in UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the development she had seen in her three years as Representative. She encouraged participants to carry out this mandate. Akunga assured UNICEF remains committed to assisting local authorities in protecting children.
The plan was compiled after discussions with 59 participants from Government agencies, civil societies and other stakeholders, in a symposium held from 15th to the 17th of this month. The plan will be applicable for a period of two years.
