Unit for the Rights of Children

The Government of Maldives, under the leadership of His Excellency President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1990 for ratification in Parliament in February 1991. Four important events marked this occasion.

* Celebration of the Year of the Maldivian Child (1991).

* Convening of a National Conference on the Maldivian Child in July 1991 which adopted a national declaration on survival, protection and development of Maldivian Child.

* Formation of an inter-ministerial Committee consisting of the Minister of Health, Minister of Education, Minister of Atolls Administration and Minister of Planning Human Resource and Environment, which finalized National plan of Action for children (NPA).

* Passing on law on Protection of the Rights of the Child (Law 9/91).

The national movement under the leadership of the President represented a landmark in recognizing the Rights of children, their freedom and dignity, which aimed to create conditions in which children can develop their full potential. The Law is declaratory in nature and identifies guiding principles and objectives for the State, Parents and the Community, with respect to their responsibilities towards children.