Maldives Strengthens Global Commitment to Protect Children by Signing Bogota Call to Action

The Maldives has formally signed the “Bogota Call to Action” Declaration, reaffirming the government’s strong commitment to protecting children, strengthening child-rights systems, and advancing national efforts to end all forms of violence against children.
The declaration was first introduced at the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, held in Bogota, Colombia, in November 2024. It calls on countries to intensify national and international action to eradicate violence against children, improve protection mechanisms, strengthen responses to reports of abuse, and ensure that every child grows up in a safe, supportive, and dignified environment.
Speaking after the signing, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, Geela Ali, stated that the signing reflects further progress in the government’s continued efforts to protect and safeguard the rights of children. She noted that the Maldives’ participation in the declaration closely aligns with the National Action Plan on Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Children, which was adopted earlier this year.
UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, Dr Edward Addai, commended the Maldives for the progress achieved in child protection, noting that the country is making notable advances in safeguarding its youngest citizens. He highlighted that the declaration’s emphasis on evidence-based action, legal and policy reforms, digital safety, institutional collaboration, and meaningful child participation strongly complements the Maldives’ existing national initiatives.
The signing of the declaration further strengthens the Maldives’ position as a country committed to child welfare, family protection, and the creation of safer communities. It also reflects the government’s broader vision of ensuring that children are protected not only through policies and institutions, but also through coordinated action involving families, communities, service providers, and international partners.
The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare affirmed that the Maldives will continue working closely with local and international partners to ensure that the commitments under the Bogota Call to Action are translated into sustainable and lasting improvements in the lives of children across the country.