The Maldivian government signed the "Bogota Call to Action" today, meant to stop child abuse in all its forms, strengthen the system that protects children's rights and to strengthen responsiveness to child abuse cases at the national and international level.

Minister of Health Geela Ali signed the decree on behalf of Maldives.

The Bogota Call to Action is a decree inaugurated by the countries that took part in the first international conference held in Bogota, Colombia in November 2024 in stopping child abuse.

The main purpose of the decree is to stop child abuse, strengthen efforts regarding actionable steps at an international standard and to further strengthen the system that protects children.

The Ministry of Health stated the decree sheds light on taking safety measures built upon findings and evidence, strengthening legal and policy frameworks and strengthening child protection systems.

The ministry went on to say that the decree emphasizes assuring protection for children on digital platforms, fostering administrative relationships and participation, and to include meaningful participation from children that will result in beneficial decisions.

The decree includes bringing a stop to harming children, and matters connected to the "National Action Plan on Prevention and Responding to Violence Against Children", a plan that was formed in 2024 by Maldives as a means to respond to such issues.

As per the ministry, the main aim of the plan formed by Maldives is to prioritize protection from violence and to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for children across households, education centers, society and usage of internet resources.

The ministry said the plan prioritizes the strengthening of the system that protects children and its purpose is to identify children who are in danger ahead of time, and to provide those children with absolute protection, care and aid in the most preferred manner.

It also includes the assurance that the services provided when cases of violence are filed are provided with the children's interests as the top priority, said the ministry.

During the signing ceremony of the decree, Minister Geela said sustainable efforts that offers meaningful progress in stopping child abuse is needed. Geela said stopping child abuse requires aid within a complete system that includes participation from state institutions, families, civil society organizations, development partners, children and society as a whole.