ARC calls for stringent child protection measures in tourism sector, amid concerns of sexual assault of minors

Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) has called on the government to establish more stringent measures to prevent cases of sexual abuse, rape and exploitation of minors, in the Maldives tourism industry.

This comes at a time a number of sexual assault cases involving minors inside guesthouses, have surfaced across the Maldives capital.

In light of this, the local NGO released a statement on June 12, strongly condemning recent sexual assault cases involving an 11-year-old and 16-year-old. Both incidents happened at guesthouses in the capital, following which ARC expressed concern regarding a surge in reports of unregistered room rentals that continue to operate without proper observation from the relevant authorities.

In this regard, more stringent measures have been urged by the NGO, as such reports of children “being transported for exploitation” increase.

ARC called on relevant stakeholders to properly investigate both cases and press charges accordingly, under Articles 122, 123, 124, 125 and 126 of the Child Rights Protection Act 2019, which highlights the penalties for such offenses involving children including exploitation, grooming, negligence and failure to protect a child from harm.

Further, the organization has called on the authorities to bring amendments to laws and regulations on transportation to address the issue of child trafficking.

The community and parents have also been urged to take a “more vigilant stand” to protect their children from abuse, exploitation and violence.

At a time the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has also urged the public to report such offences, ARC pushed the public to report suspicious activities to the Child Helpline 1412 or Police Helpline 3000600.

In addition, the organization reiterated its commitment to continue working with relevant authorities to safeguard the rights of children.

This comes at a time the Commissioner of Police, Mohamed Hameed has requested for an order to remand the 38-year-old sexual assault suspect arrested most recently, until his trial concludes. The suspect allegedly sexually assaulted an 11-year-old in a local guesthouse.