Domestic violence and abuse are contributing factors to a variety of problems facing the society, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Condemning domestic violence and abuse, the president made these remarks during the inauguration ceremony of the “Geveshi Gulhun”, a national campaign against domestic violence, an initiative by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services.

Highlighting that the society has a joint responsibility to reduce exploitation and abuse to women and children, Solih assures his firm belief that empowering women and challenging deep-rooted detrimental mindsets are essential to ward off abuse and exploitation, successfully.

In light of this, the president noted that everyone has a responsibility to strengthen reporting mechanisms in order to make sure victims are presented with justice.

This is essential to ensure social progress and harmony, albeit a challenge, said the president.

Success will only be reached with the efforts from the government institutions, civil society organizations and conscientious individuals, said Solih, who applauded the work being carried out by several such organization who voice against abuse and impunity.

“Geveshi Gulhun”, launched on Wednesday, will pave way for success in these efforts and facilitate the administration’s work to protect victims and vulnerable individuals.

The campaign was praised by the president, who noted that it will prove to be an vital pillar of the administration’s efforts against all forms of violence and abuse.

Further, Solih reiterated that enhancing the role of women in the country remains a high priority of the incumbent government. In order to achieve this, it is crucial to ensure their homes are safe and their right to say “No” is always respected.

This government of Maldives provided a total of MVR 294 million as a budget to the Gender Ministry this year, a MVR 111 million raise in comparison to 2018.

President Solih ratified amendments to the Child Rights Protection Act during November 2019.

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.

Under the Article 113 of the Child Rights Protection Act, a Children’s Ombudsperson is stipulated to be appointed, tasked with protecting and promoting the interests of children within the Maldives.