An investigation conducted by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has revealed a number of ways in which children’s shelters have been negligent to those in their care.

HRCM’s anti-torture report for this year revealed that premises used to detain individuals or keep children must be registered with the Home Ministry and the commission itself.

The report noted that several such premises, including the children’s shelter in Vaanee island of Dhaalu atoll, had not been registered in this manner.

While most shelters have kept a medical file on the children in their care, having included receipts from appointments with doctors and relevant prescriptions – it did not include whether or not prescribed medication had been administered or given to the children.

The report further found that many of the shelters did not meet the Education Ministry’s standards for academic teaching, and the relevant preparations to conduct classes for these children had not been made.