Category Archives: Opinion

“[…] The third issue that the President highlighted in his address was that of the rights of children and recent reports of cases of abuse against children. He emphasised that we, as a society, should be ashamed that such incidents were happening in the Maldives. He said that the issue warranted the attention of all the people, and that a speedy solution must be found on a nationwide scale. He added that the government was reviewing additional measures that could be implemented in all avenues to stop such horrendous acts, including stronger action that could be adopted through the criminal justice system against perpetrators of child abuse.” President’s Office: August 31, 2007

Much of the neglect and mistreatment of children in this country occur due to lack of capacity and adequate mechanisms to ensure a safe environment for children in this country. The fact is that we have failed in creating family conditions conducive to child welfare.

I wonder why he did not say, he as the President, was ashamed of the atrocities happening against children in his country under his watch.

The President makes the calls, but there are few in his government who take things that he says that seriously.

If the following are acceptable definitions of child abuse,

• the neglect or mistreatment of a child
• the physical or emotional or sexual mistreatment of children
• any form of cruelty to a child’s physical, moral or mental well-being

Each of us need to ask himself/herself,

• Didi I mistreat a child?
• Have I neglected a child?
• Have I been cruel to a child?

And, we need to make a commitment to,

• to care for each child
• to treat children with dignity
• to object to all cruelty toward children

Let’s help make a difference! Our children deserve better!

Yesterday the hot issue on the “Ten to Eleven” show jointly broadcast by TVM and VOM was the article in Haveeru by Hilath Rasheed, which CAWM had highlighted in one of our earlier posts. The show was broadcast live 2200 – 2300 hrs.

Having tuned into the show , we felt the show did much to distort the issue of child abuse especially sexual abuse of children rather than highlight actual concerns, educate the public, and help find a way forward.

It is very important that we do not pin down the broad issue of child abuse, to a conflict of cause and effect with the government of the Maldives or the religion of Islam, though not a conscious effort.

Child abuse and especially sexual abuse of children is a real issue and what we need to do is; (i) make people aware of what it is, (ii) how it affects us and what the consequences of our actions are, and will be, (iii) what we can do as individuals, and civil society organs, and (iv) what the government needs to do. We need to create an urgency about it.

We believe the best way forward is by forging partnerships rather than animosities. The latter seemed to be the unintended outcome of the spot on the show.

Related Link: Maldiveshealth