Following the Third Fire Incident in Less than Two Months, ARC Reiterates It’s Call to Strengthen Safety of Children at Kudakudhinge Hiya

On Sunday, a fire incident took place in the Kudakudhinge Hiya at Villimale’, which is the third incident that happened in the span of less than two months. ARC has raised their deep concerns regarding the series of incidents and reiterates its calls on the State to improve the security and safety of the children residing in the Shelter.  
 
Even though no fatalities were recorded, ARC notes that will less than 10 children remaining in care at Kudakudhinge Hiya, the incidents throw light of the lack of safety and security for the children. Over the last few months, many children have been relocated to different Shelters across the country hence, it should have made the management of the Shelter easier.  

From the fire incident on June 6, 2021 - MNDF

From the fire incident on May 4, 2021 - MNDF
 
ARC also calls for an urgent investigation of the reasons behind the repeated fire incidents because given the trend, there is a high risk of potential fatality or serious injury to a child under State Care. ARC further reiterates its previous statement calling on relevant institutions to conduct a fire and safety audit of the Shelter to ensure that similar incidents do not recur.  
 
With numerous ongoing issues within the Shelter, the fire incidents add to the negative events happening in Kudakudhinge Hiya. Reported issues include failure to adequately manage the facility and address the needs of children, which have been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
ARC has continued to bring several of such issues related to the situations in the Shelter to the attention of State agencies as well as independent institutions on various occasions.