Discussions have been held on actions to be taken under the Child Rights Protection Bill, which will come into effect on February 20.

Held between the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services and the Maldives Police Service (MPS), discussions revolved around actions that may be taken under the implementation of the bill.

Recently appointed new Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi and Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed sat down to discuss the measures that may be taken once the bill is ratified.

The People's Majlis accepted the bill during August 2019 and it was submitted to the parliament floor by Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam.

The main purpose on the bill is to ensure the rights of children in Maldives. Further, it also includes providing assistance and support for children who need social protection, alongside setting responsibilities for government institutions regarding taking children in as well as foster regulations and setting appropriate measures to be taken against those found negligent in child-related cases.

Under the bill, a Juvenile Court will be established with judges trained specifically for cases involving criminal offenses by children and more regional divisions will be established alongside the Juvenile Court.

Further, the age set for children to be punished for criminal offenses has been set at 15, these things will come under the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice, which will be established under the bill.

Other points contained within the bill include establishing a center to remand children within 18 months of ratification.

The bill forwarded to the parliament’s Human Rights and Gender Committee for further evaluation also mandates that charges cannot be pressed on children under 15 years of age. It also bans death penalties on children under 15 years of age and prohibits marrying off children under 18.

Some of the rights as stated under the bill include rights of growth and livelihood, rights to care and protection, rights guaranteeing protection from physical and sexual abuse, rights guaranteeing protection from any form of neglect, torture, discrimination, harm, bias or cruelty, rights guaranteeing protection from undesirable social and cultural issues, rights to better preserve the wellness of children with special needs, rights to medical care, right to social protection and enhancing livelihood and rights to proper education.

In addition, a council designated to send recommendations to the Gender Ministry in regards to establishing policies revolving around children is set to be formed alongside residential facilities that will provide alternative care services for children who require shelter, from across the nation.