Public Opinion is Clear: Urgent Legislation Required to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation! Read the story

Members

Advocating the Rights of Children, ARC Maldives, is a non-governmental organisation established in December 2009. With the mission of protecting and promoting children’s rights and well-being, ARC works to strengthen the voice of children in the country and advocates for their health, safety, and education. ARC is working with children in shelters, promoting children’s safety both online and offline, supporting children with disabilities, and empowering girls. The organisation is not focused entirely on sexual exploitation, but it tackles child abuse and exploitation through its different programs.

Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC)

Contact: Ms. Mariyam Marsha Ahmed, Programme Specialist
Phone: +(960) 7779435
Address: G. Nooraanee Villa, Alikilegefaanu Magu, Male, Republic of Maldives
Email: info@arc.org.mv
Website: https://www.arc.org.mv/

Resources

ECPAT International
Regional Overview: Sexual Exploitation of Children in South Asia

Year: 2018

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ECPAT International
Regional Overview: The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in East and South-East Asia

Year: 2014

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News from Maldives

Indicators

Age of Consent

No

The age of sexual consent is 18 years, for both girls and boys, but can be done earlier through the exception of marriage. The national legislation does not provide for a close-in-age exception.

Analysis of country legislation on age of sexual consent, 2024

Extraterritoriality & Extradition

Partial

Active extraterritoriality is recognized for all SEC related offences committed by Maldivian citizens and residents abroad under Section 13(a)(3) of the Penal Code. Passive extraterritoriality is recognised for any offence committed against a Maldivian citizen under Section 13(a)(2). Active and passive extraterritoriality is provided for human trafficking offences under Section 67(b)1 and 2 of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, 2013 (Act No. 12/2013), including only Maldivian citizens not residents). Double criminality is not required for active and passive extraterritoriality under Section 13 of the Penal Code and Section 67 of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act.

Regulation on extradition (Extradition Act 2015) has not been found, therefore it is unknown whether SEC related offences are extraditable and whether double criminality applies in extradition cases.

Penal Code (Law No. 6/2014, Anti-Human Trafficking Act, 2013 (Act No. 12/2013), “The Law on Extradition (Act No. 1/2015, Extradition Act), 2014, 2013, 2015

CSAM Definition

Not Yet Assessed

Background Check Required

Not Yet Assessed

National Commitments

Not Yet Assessed

Child Advocacy Centers

Not Yet Assessed

SEC Police Unit

Not Yet Assessed

Protection Standards Travel and Tourism

Not Yet Assessed

Public SEC Case Data

Not Yet Assessed