FAM Child Safeguarding Policy Launched by First Lady

A special ceremony was held at the National Football Stadium on yesterday afternoon for the launch of the FAM Child Safeguarding Policy. Created in a partnership by Advocating the Rights of Children and initiated by Football Association of Maldives together, this first-of-its-kind nationwide policy is a set of guidelines aimed to create a safe environment for Maldivian footballer children. United Nations Children’s Fund Maldives  

The policy was launched by First Lady Fazna Ahmed who stated that this policy is a milestone achieved in child protection in the Maldives sports field, following the ratification of the Child Rights Protection Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.  

Formulated in line with the laws and regulations of Maldives and the Minimum Standards established by FIFA, a number of other contributors in the form of relevant institutions, clubs, academies and children came together during the process. First Lady emphasized the importance of involving children – the ones that the policy directly impacts – in making decisions such as this.  

In situations of violence, abuse, neglect, bullying and other unfavorable events that may happen in FAM endorsed football activities, the policy plays a role in establishing accountability and responsibility in keeping the children safe from harm and trauma. The policy also stands as guidance or coaches, trainers, parents and others involved in Maldivian football on how to report and respond to such concerns.  

President of FAM, Bassam Adeel Jaleel reaffirmed that organization will ensure that there is no room for abuse in Maldivian football. First Lady urged FAM to monitor the implementation of the policy on a regular pace.  

With the launch of the Child Safeguarding Policy, stakeholders of Maldivian football pledged to work together to promote and protect the rights of children in sports in a systematic manner. ARC will also work closely with FAM in training and educating those involved in implementing the policy to its full intention.