On World Children’s Day, UNICEF Maldives Calls for Renewed Action to Secure Child Rights and Respond to the ‘Adolescent Challenge’

MALE’, Maldives, 20 November 2025 – On this World Children’s Day, UNICEF joins children and young people, the Government, and all partners in celebrating the remarkable progress Maldives has made in advancing child rights, while calling attention to the complex and growing challenges that adolescents face today.

Since ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1990, the Maldives has set a strong example for child survival and development. The country has reduced under-five mortality to 6 per 1,000 live births, brought maternal mortality down to 32 per 100,000 live births, sustained immunization coverage between 95–99 percent, achieved near-universal access to education with gender parity, and enacted robust laws and policies to safeguard children. These achievements reflect decades of leadership, investment, and commitment to putting children first.

Yet as we look to the future, the adolescent years have emerged as a critical frontier for child rights in the Maldives. Only 1 in 3 students transition to higher secondary education; 19 percent of young people are not in education, employment or training (NEET); rates of non-communicable diseases, mental health concerns, and substance use are rising; and persistent gaps in the juvenile justice system continue to put vulnerable young people at risk. These challenges underscore the need for coordinated, multisectoral action to ensure that every adolescent has the support they need to thrive.

“Every young person who slips through the cracks represents a story that could be rewritten. UNICEF remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the Government of Maldives and all partners to build a future where every young person not only survives but is able to learn, grow, and reach their full potential," he further stated. 

To mark World Children’s Day, UNICEF launched its new report, Building Futures: Securing Child Rights and Responding to the Adolescent Challenge, which highlights the urgent need for multi-sectoral, systemic transformation to build a resilient and inclusive future for adolescents in the Maldives. UNICEF convened leaders from Government, Parliament, the diplomatic community, civil society, and the private sector for a dialogue led by children and young people, underscoring the critical importance of listening to young voices and driving collective action.

As part of our Kudhinnaa Gaathun initiative, UNICEF, together with the Maldives Police Service, Raa Meedhoo Council, schools, and local partners organized a series of community activities, including a children’s festival and a fun run, engaging children and young people across the island. We also held awareness sessions on preventing violence against children across 15 islands of Raa Atoll, ensuring they have the knowledge and support to stay safe and empowered.

Today and every day, UNICEF Maldives remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside our partners to advance child rights. We extend our deep appreciation to all partners, supporters, and every child and young person who continues to lead and inspire progress.

As we commemorate this day, UNICEF stands in solidarity with children in Gaza, Sudan, and around the world, where children whose most fundamental rights continue to be violated and are enduring unimaginable violence, displacement, hunger, and loss daily. UNICEF calls for the safety, health, education, peace, and a sustainable future for every child, everywhere.

Together, we can build a future where no child or adolescent is left behind.