Bertrand Mendis, UNICEF Maldives Representative to Maldives said in a statement published through Minivan News.

The anniversary of the CRC provides an excellent opportunity to take stock of the achievements Maldives has made in the realisation of the rights of children to survival, development, protection and participation as well as to examine opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Despite the substantial progress made for Maldivian children, several challenges remain. … Children continue to be exploited, abused and neglected. The child protection system lacks capacity, adequate resources and proper coordination between agencies responsible for protection, care and rehabilitation. Additional challenges affecting the realization of children’s right to protection include lack of a proper juvenile justice system, including juvenile justice legislations and comprehensive child rights and child protection legislation. …

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and civil society groups, as well the media, are essential in monitoring and advocating for child rights. Strong families and communities are central to augmenting the gains made for children. …

On this occasion, let us recall the words of former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan who said, “There is no trust more sacred than the one that the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow up in peace”.

Read the full text here.