HRCM launches investigation into health ministry after infant was taken into state care against mother's wishes
16 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 09:54Under a court order, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has entered the Ministry of Social and Family Development to investigate the controversial removal of a three-day-old infant from its mother’s care against her wishes. While the HRCM probes the Ministry’s conduct in the matter, officials maintain that the newborn was taken into state custody within legal boundaries to ensure the child's safety, citing concerns over the mother’s mental health and the family environment.
From a meeting conducted by the members of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM). | HRCM
The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has conducted an inquiry at the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare to investigate the Gender Affairs Department's procedures regarding the taking of a newborn into state care immediately after birth.
The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) conducted an inspection at the Ministry on Sunday morning.
According to reports, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has entered the Department of Social and Family Development in Hulhumalé with a search warrant.
The court order was obtained for the period starting from 9:00 a.m. on Sunday until 11:59 p.m. on Monday night.
Regarding the matter, Commission member Ismail Habeeb stated that an investigation is underway into the case of the infant taken into state care immediately after birth. He noted that the Ministry is providing full cooperation to the investigation. Furthermore, Habeeb emphasized that the Commission will closely monitor the Ministry's actions and procedures throughout this case.
This matter came to light on social media following a post shared by the family of the child's biological mother.
The child's mother stated that authorities took her baby into state care, citing her mental health issues as the justification. She added that the infant was removed against her will just three days after birth.
The 25-year-old stated that despite pleading for the opportunity to remain with the child, the child was ultimately taken to Male' through deception, without even being allowed a final glimpse.
Following the mother's allegations, the Ministry of Social and Family Development has come under heavy public criticism.
Regarding the matter, the Ministry of Social and Family Development stated that the child was taken into state care in accordance with the law. The Ministry further clarified that such measures are only taken in instances where a child's safety and protection cannot be guaranteed within the family environment.
The letter sent to the family by the Child and Family Protection Service, detailing the reasons for taking the child into state care, highlighted several significant concerns.
The letter detailed that the child was taken into state care due to the mother's living environment and mental health condition, as well as her physical disability. It further noted the absence of any family members capable of providing necessary care for the child.
