ARC Maldives has called on authorities to “step up” the search for 14-year-old Shaim Abdulla who has been missing since June 18.

The organization dedicated to advocating for the protection and promotion of children’s rights in the country, ARC took to twitter on Friday, writing that when a child is missing, “every second, every minute, every hour and every day” counts.

The tweet called on relevant institutions to step up its search as every moment lost increases his risk of being in “serious” harm, abuse and exploitation.

ARC further went on to urge the public to share information regarding Shaim’s location, if attained, to the relevant authorities without any delay.

Stating that the organization has always prioritized promoting the rights of children under state care, ARC went on to reveal that they have shared notable concerns regarding children’s shelters with the relevant authorities.

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives had compiled a report and forwarded it to the Parliament floor on Saturday, based on their investigations into Shaim’s disappearance.

While the 14-year-old has been missing since 18 June, he is to have fled while under state care at the children’s shelter in Villimalé. Police began searching for him 12 days ago. Thus far, officers have conducted search operations at three houses in search of Shaim. They are pursuing the search by perusing CCTV footage as well, reported the police.

Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services, Shidhatha Shareef was summoned to the parliament committee on Human Rights and Gender on Saturday to inquire further details on the case.

On the night of his disappearance, the night staff at the children’s center is to have checked on him thrice while he was sleeping. Shaim is to have slept with his face covered on a regular basis. While it is not clear whether he did this on purpose with such a plan in mind, it is certain that this particular mannerism helped him flee.