ARC: Rise in violence against children result of systematic flaws

Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the increasing cases of violence against children in Maldives, which the local NGO said continue due to systematic flaws in the country’s child protection system.

The statement comes in response to the kidnapping and murder of a 13-year-old boy, whose body was found in suburban Hulhumale’ on early Tuesday.

ARC strongly condemned the murder of the young boy, and called on the authorities for an immediate and transparent investigation into the case.

The NGO called for an end to violence against children, and for perpetrators of such heinous crimes to be brought to justice promptly.

“ARC remains deeply concerned about increasing cases of violence against children which continue due to systematic flaws in the child protection system in the country, exacerbated by deficiencies in law enforcement, judicial and social sectors tasked with the promotion and protection of the rights of children in the Maldives,” said ARC in its statement.

ARC said it finds the increasing severity of such cases, including several resulting in fatalities, deeply unnerving.

The NGO reiterated its commitment to continue its efforts to work with all relevant stakeholders to safeguard the rights of children across Maldives.

The body of the 13-year-old boy was found in a suitcase in the water in the beach area of Hulhumale’ phase II at 02:38 am this Tuesday.

The young boy was found murdered after police launched an investigation upon receiving report of his possible kidnapping on Sunday.

Police have made two arrests in connection to the case; a 17-year-old Maldivian male and a 27-year-old Maldivian male.

They are also seeking an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.