Minister of State Ahmed Usham has stated that the Maldives will always give special priority to ensuring that children—who are the nation’s future—grow up in an environment where they are treated with dignity and protection, and where their thoughts and feelings are acknowledged. Usham made these remarks while addressing a session held in Geneva by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child to review the report submitted by the Maldives in 2021 under the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Speaking at this meeting, the Minister of State emphasized that creating a respectful and safe environment for children is a mission that the government continuously pursues. He also assured that the Maldives will continue its unceasing efforts to ensure that every child grows up in a secure setting where society accepts and values their perspectives.

During this review, which was conducted in two sessions, the Maldivian delegation provided detailed responses to questions posed by Committee members regarding the important work the Maldives has undertaken since 2016 to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Following the conclusion of these sessions, the Committee will share its “Concluding Observations” and recommendations with the Maldives, based on the submitted report and information shared during the meeting.

The high-level delegation representing the Maldives at this important meeting included Minister of State Ahmed Usham, as well as Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihsan. Additionally, senior officials from the Gender Ministry and Education Ministry, along with officials from the Maldives’ Permanent Mission to the UN Office in Geneva, were part of the delegation.