Child Safeguarding Policy – Much Needed Initiation

President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has launched the "Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC) Child Safeguarding Policy," which was developed in collaboration with Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC). The policy was unveiled on May 18th, at a special ceremony in the President's Office. The policy seeks to create a safe sporting environment for all children, regardless of whether they participate in sports as athletes or in other capacities.
 
One of the most important initiatives to protect and promote children's rights in Maldivian sports is the MOC Child Safeguarding Policy. It instructs coaches, trainers, parents, and other technical personnel on how to report and respond to child safety concerns.
 
The Child Safeguarding Policy's five principles are: ensuring no discrimination against children; prioritizing the child's best interests; providing support and special protection for child victims; promoting child participation by considering children's views and opinions on issues that affect them; and working toward equal opportunities for vulnerable and marginalized groups in sports.


 
MOC has appointed a male and female Child Safeguarding Officer with the implementation of the policy. In addition to fulfilling various requirements to further protect children's rights in sports, it requires each National Sports Association to develop their own Child Safeguarding Policy and appoint a Child Safeguarding Officer.
 
Mohamed Abdul Sattar, President of MOC, emphasized the importance of empowering staff and volunteers by institutionalizing procedures and guidelines for reporting and responding to child safeguarding concerns. He also expressed his hope that the Child Safeguarding Policy will improve children's sporting experiences and contribute to the development of better athletes in the long run.
 
Furthermore, Muruthala Moosa, an ARC Executive Committee Member, emphasized the importance of children participating in sports in an environment that not only protects them from abuse, but also nurtures them and develops them into productive adults who positively contribute to our community.