UNICEF and FPA launch ‘Udhuhilan’ National Campaign on Violence Against Children

MALE’, Maldives, 2 September 2025 – UNICEF Maldives and Family Protection Authority (FPA) have launched ‘Udhihilan’ – a nationwide campaign to prevent all forms of violence against children at home and in communities.

‘Udhuhilan – for a happy, safe community’ campaign is a national call to action to end violence against children by uniting families, communities, institutions, and young people around one shared goal: creating safe, loving, and supportive homes and communities where every child can thrive.

The campaign was launched at a joint collective impact platform, ‘Mashvaraa,’ which brought together key stakeholders to learn from best practices, identify opportunities and craft collective solutions to address gaps in protecting children from harm, especially domestic violence. 

“‘Udhuhilan’ is deeply symbolic. In our language, udhuhilan means ‘to fly.’ As depicted in the logo of the campaign, the wings embody both the care and freedom parents and caregivers extend to shield their children in moments of vulnerability. They remind us that children need to be nurtured to grow in safe environments where they can develop their own abilities to fly and soar to their highest potential,” stated Aminath Shirani Naeem, CEO of FPA, at the campaign launching ceremony.

In 2024, FPA recorded approximately 300 reported cases of domestic violence against children while up until June 2025, 300 cases affecting children have already been reported. In many of these cases, the most common form of domestic violence experienced by children is witnessing it, which can negatively affect their development as well as their physical and mental well-being.

“Violence against children is preventable, but prevention requires urgency. So, let this campaign ignite a movement where every Maldivian says, ‘no child should grow up in fear; every child must grow up in love’ – because when we protect children, we protect the future of Maldives. Together, let us make ‘Udhuhilan’ not just a name, but a national reality where every child feels safe, cherished, and free to be who they are,” stated Dr. Edward Addai, UNICEF Representative to Maldives, at the event. 

The ‘Udhuhilan’ campaign encourages families, communities, and children to take real steps to stop violence and create safe, caring homes and neighbourhoods. Through the campaign, UNICEF and FPA will work with communities, relevant stakeholders, children, and young people to foster public momentum, facilitate dialogue, encourage community engagement, and strengthen stakeholder collaboration.

“When children and young people are seen as changemakers, not just as beneficiaries of protection, we become partners in building safer homes, stronger communities, and a more compassionate nation,” said Maashy Mohamed Bilal, 17 – a member of UNICEF Maldives’ youth co-hort who spoke at the ‘Udhuhilan’ launch event. 

Additionally, the campaign also aims to promote behavioural change among caregivers and families by equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to foster nurturing, violence-free homes, and community environments.

By promoting cross-sector collaboration, the ‘Udhuhilan’ campaign engages a unified approach to ensuring that children are safe, protected, and happy, while contributing to the development of an empowered generation.