The Ministry of Health, Family and Social Development has urged the public and media outlets to refrain from disclosing personal information that could identify children who have been victims of sexual abuse, warning that doing so could violate their dignity and rights.
In a statement, the Ministry highlighted that Article 35 of the Maldivian Constitution recognises children as a group entitled to special care and protection from their families, communities and the State.
The Ministry said it had observed cases in which children’s personal information was being shared across various media platforms in violation of the protections guaranteed under the Child Rights Protection Act.
Under Article 33 of the Act, disclosing information that could compromise a child’s dignity or reveal their identity is prohibited. This includes names, addresses, schools and other personal details of children accused of offences, victims of crimes, or those requiring special care and protection for other reasons.
The Ministry further stressed that the law prohibits making public any information through the media or other channels that could identify children requiring special protection. This provision is intended to safeguard their best interests and protect them from further harm.
It also warned that publishing information about children in need of special care and protection, whether to influence public opinion or for any other purpose, in a manner that compromises their dignity constitutes a violation of their rights.
Emphasising that protecting children’s rights is a collective responsibility, the Ministry urged the public to avoid sharing any information that could expose a child’s identity or undermine their dignity.
