The Children’s Shelter has disclosed its difficulties in administration to the parliament’s social affairs committee.

The Shelter’s Director Fathimath Shiuna met the committee on Monday.

Director Shiuna said that, while 45 children are currently under their care, the Shelter lacks the employees to care for them. She said that there are 25 boys aged between 13 and 18 in the Shelter but only five male employees looking after them.

The Children’s Shelter consists of two separate buildings for boys and girls.

The Director also said that despite the Civil Service Commission and Finance Ministry creating 10 new positions, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has recommended the Shelter to hire 24 more employees.

She also said that problems arise when the Shelter houses children for different reason such as for crime-related cases, familial neglect, and having special needs.

She added that the Shelter receives help from the Gender Ministry to solve these issues and that Gender Minister Shidhatha Shareef visits the Shelter each week.

Social affairs committee members have assured the Director that they will assist her in solving the issues faced by the Shelter.