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Gender Ministry submits list of children at risk of abuse to parliament

Mariyam Malsa
30 January 2020, MVT 11:56
A child walks alongside a guardian in Kanduhulhudhoo, Gaafu Alif Atoll. PHOTO: NISHAN ALI
Mariyam Malsa
30 January 2020, MVT 11:56

Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services submitted a list of children and families at risk of abuse to the parliament.

The compilation of the list was among the measures ordered by the Parliament's Human Rights and Gender Committee after it reviewed the case concerning the sexual abuse of a 2-year-old in Kanduhulhudhoo, Gaafu Alif Atoll.

The measures were stipulated after representatives from the Gender Ministry, the police's Family and Child Protection Department (FCPD), Criminal Court, Kanduhulhudhoo Council, and Prosecutor General's Office were summoned to the committee over the matter.

The gender ministry previously formulated the guidelines to define children and families at risk of abuse within two days and forwarded it to the parliament.

Tasks assigned to Gender Ministry by the parliamentary committee

- Identify child sexual abuse cases which island councils and atoll councils have neglected to report to relevant authorities and notify them within 30 days

- Within a time-frame of 30 days, implement a system to identify and monitor individuals released after serving sentences for child sexual abuse as well as assess reasons for their release

- Within a time-frame of 30 days, submit a report concerning a procedure to fast-track child sexual abuse cases in courts

- Conduct an audit of all institutions tasked with ensuring the safety of children and submit it to the parliament

- Ensure that the Child Protection Database is usable within 30 days

These developments come in the wake of a slew of child sexual abuse cases that came to light this month, which sparked public outcry with many slamming the administration for failure to ensure the safety and protection of children.

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