MALE: Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed said that there is “no excuse” for child abuse. He made this statement while speaking at the function held this evening to mark the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. The function was held at the artificial beach area. He said that although there were several reasons why child abuse was so prevalent in the Maldives, there would be no excuse for it and that it was big offence. He further noted that in difficult situation, children were especially vulnerable and it is up to everyone to protect and care for them.

Speaking further, the Vice President said chills abuse, particularly sexual abuse of children would not be allowed in any civilised society. He added that our religion and culture also promoted children to be brought up with care and protection.

Highlighting that this year marked the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Vice President said that Maldives too has ratified the Convention.

Noting that a lot of work was being done in the Maldives to promote the Convention, the Vice President said that the government was formulating its education and health policies in line with the Convention.

The Vice President also spoke on the Child Sex Abuse (Special Provisions) Act which was recently ratified by the President. Speaking in this regard, the Vice President said he hoped that because of the harsher punishments stated in the Act for people who committed sexual offences against children, the number of sex offenders would reduce. He also expressed his hope that the Act would be implemented without any discrimination.