Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) has partnered with Maldives Police Service and UNICEF to conduct a series of sensitization programmes for police officers across the country. The first programme held from 20 to 22 February 2020 in Addu City comprised a total of 29 participants including division and atoll commanders, station in-charges as well as investigation, neighborhood and frontline officers.

The three-day capacity building programme consisted of components such as violence against children and child protection, domestic violence, gender-based violence, ethics and values in service provision, diversion and restorative justice as well as sessions on the reconstituted Child Rights Protection Act and the newly enacted Juvenile Justice Act. The programme was conducted to create a platform to share challenges and identify best practices in dealing with child-related cases, ensure consistency in following due procedures and to increase sensitivity at all levels within Maldives Police Service.

The sensitization programme was carried out as part of the joint MoU between Maldives Police Service and ARC signed on 31 December 2019. ARC looks forward to continue working closely with relevant stakeholders to further protect and promote the rights of children across the country.