HRCM inspects gender ministry over newborn state care case

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) on Sunday conducted an inspection of the Ministry of Social and Family Development as part of an investigation into allegations that a newborn child was taken into state care without the mother's consent.

The case emerged after a 25-year-old mother shared her concerns on social media, alleging that her baby was removed from her care three days after birth against her wishes.

According to the mother, authorities cited her mental health history and a physical disability affecting one of her arms as the reasons for taking the child into state custody.

HRCM officials entered the ministry's offices with a search warrant to collect information relevant to the investigation. The commission stated that the inspection was being carried out under its statutory powers as part of an active inquiry.

The commission had previously announced that it opened the investigation following a complaint submitted by a private individual.

The mother's allegations include claims that the infant was taken into state care without her consent and that the decision was based on her medical history and physical condition.

In response to the allegations, the Ministry of Social and Family Development has maintained that all actions taken in relation to the child were carried out in accordance with the law.

The ministry stated 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 children.

According to the ministry, authorities first seek to ensure a child's safety while keeping them with parents or family members, and placing a child in state care is considered only as a last resort.

The ministry also called on the public to exercise caution when discussing cases involving vulnerable individuals and to avoid sharing unverified information on social media.

The HRCM investigation remains ongoing.