Speaker: No one is better aware of child abuse issues than MPs

Speaker of the Maldivian Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has said that he believed that there is no one better informed and aware of sexual abuse cases in the Maldives than parliamentarians.

A motion to enforce and perform the responsibilities mandated on state institutions under the child abuse laws of the country was presented to the parliament by MP for South Mahchangoalhi Ahmed Haitham today. 

Speaking during the debate, Nasheed said that the issue was a very important one to debate upon. He advised that MPs should not remain silent for fear of any mockery or response they may receive regarding their opinions on the issue.

“In my view, there is no one better informed, experienced, and aware of such matters than the honorable parliamentarians.” Said Nasheed.

He said that he was aware that terms such as “failure”, “couldn’t do” or “didn’t care” may be directed towards the parliament working in youthful spirit when there were technical experts of the field in the Maldives.

“Do not become concerned. Maldivians are very clear that you, the parliamentarians have not failed. When has the matter is not been spoken about in this parliament continuously? When? Did not speak.” Said Nasheed.

Parliamentarians called for more constructive work on protecting the rights of children, pay attention to victims by the state while debating on the resolution. 

An increase in technical experts and human resources to attain the objectives set in the law regarding the prevention of child abuse were also proposed. Better attention towards foster care and protection of victimized children were also proposed under the resolution by MP Haitham. 

A separate sector for foster care and more priority to be given to the issue at hand under this sector is also included in the resolution among other measures.