HRCM probes complaint over newborn taken into state care
The case came to public attention after the child's 25-year-old mother shared details of the incident on social media.
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The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has launched an investigation into a case involving a newborn baby who was allegedly taken into state care without the mother's consent.
The case came to public attention after the child's 25-year-old mother shared details of the incident on social media, alleging that authorities removed her baby three days after birth.
According to the mother's account, the child was taken into state custody against her wishes. She said officials cited her mental health condition and a physical disability affecting her arm as reasons for the decision.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, HRCM confirmed that it had received a complaint from a private party regarding reports that a newborn had been taken into state care against the mother's consent.
The commission said it is investigating the matter.
The mother alleges that the decision was made without her agreement and that the child was removed from her care on the third day following birth.
The case has prompted public discussion on social media, with users raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the decision.
Responding to the matter, the Ministry of Social and Family Development said all actions concerning the child were carried out in accordance with the law.
The ministry noted that Article 35 of the Constitution and Article 8 of the Child Rights Protection Act require the best interests of the child to be the primary consideration in decisions affecting minors.
According to the ministry, the government gives priority to maintaining a child's safety while keeping the child with parents or other family members wherever possible.
The ministry said placing a child in state care is considered a measure of last resort and is only undertaken when required under the legal framework.
It also urged the public to exercise caution when sharing information relating to vulnerable individuals and to avoid circulating unverified claims on social media.
HRCM has not yet provided further details regarding the scope of its investigation or when its findings may be released.
