The recently passed and approved Child Rights Protection Act will take effect from Thursday.

Passed by the People’s Majlis on 14th November 2019, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih signed the bill into law six days later on November 20.

The law states that it will come into effect three months after ratification, which will be February 20.

The reconstituted Child Rights Protection Act outlines the rights and responsibilities for children; and duties of the State, community and parents to protect such rights; and seeks to reduce disparities between the previous law and international child protection laws and standards.

The bill includes several amendments and new additions to protect children from discrimination, bias, harm, cruel punishment, neglect and physical and emotional abuse. The bill also includes provisions such as the right to education, right to health care, and special provisions to protect the rights of children with special needs.

It also stipulates the constitution of a Child Rights Protection Council, Child and Family Protection Service and the appointment of a Children’s Ombudsperson. The bill further raises the legal age of consent for marriage to 18 years, while protecting children below the age of 15 against all regular judicial punishments.