HRCM launches campaign against child abuse

News | 13 November 2008

HRCM in collaboration with concerned authorities and the civil society has launched an awareness week today, in order to mark the ‘The world Day for Prevention of Child abuse’ which is 19th November 2008.

The slogan for this awareness campaign “Prevention of Child abuse - My responsibility” highlights the spirit of this annual event and emphasizes the role of every individual in protecting the future of the nation.

Speaking at the function the President of the Commission Mr. Ahmed Saleem said that child abuse is a universal and an alarming problem, which undoubtedly requires increased attention. In his address he said that 7 million child abuse cases were reported in the world last year and yet 60% of theses cases has not yet been able to seek remedies. He also mentioned that emotional and psychological abuse are as threatening to the wellbeing of children as are Physical and sexual abuse.

According to Ministry of health and Family 316 child abuse cases were reported last in the Maldives and Child Pornography and social networking on the internet is a threatening matter that parents and guardians need to pay a special attention to in our society. Ms.Nazima Abdul Gadir from the Ministry also stated that our purpose should not only be to reduce child abuse but to bring an end to it.

Speaking on behalf of the civil society, Mr. Mohamed Shihab of Child Abuse Watch Maldives stated that we should work to protect the rights of the child everyday and that it should not be limited to just an occasion. He said that we need to ensure that every child has the faith that justice would be delivered and that their rights would be protected. He also mentioned that through the activities planned for the week what they aim to seek is a commitment from the concerned authorities and society at large that the rights of the child would be protected.

A symbolic hand-holding event is scheduled to take place in all the islands of the Maldives on 19 November 2008 at 4:30pm. Maldives Police Service would be leading the event which is planned to be held on Boduthakurufaanu Magu, surrounding Male’.. The official ceremony would take place at the Artificial Beach after the hand-holding event.