President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is seeking the consideration of the People’s Majlis, for the Maldives to endorse the ‘Safe Schools Declaration’.

The decision was announced by the President’s Office after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, where the Ministry of Education proposed a paper regarding the Safe Schools Declaration.

The cabinet approved the proposal during the meeting.

With the vision to enhance the protection provided for students, schools, universities and teachers during armed conflicts, the ‘Safe Schools Declaration’ was drafted through a consultative process led by Norway and Argentina.

The declaration was opened for state endorsement at an international conference held in Oslo, Norway, in May 2015.

The countries to have endorsed the declaration have committed to practice the ‘Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities’ from military use during armed conflict which is a non-binding practical tool that offers guidance to parties to conflict to exercise restraint in using schools and universities for military purposes.

This enhances the safeguarding of the civilian character of education facilities.

While the People's Majlis is yet to start work for the year, the first sitting of the first session of the year is scheduled for February 4, where President Solih will deliver his presidential address.