MOC, ARC and UNICEF Maldives Discuss Strengthening Child Safeguarding Through Sport

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MOC, ARC and UNICEF Maldives Discuss Strengthening Child Safeguarding Through Sport
MOC, ARC and UNICEF Maldives Discuss Strengthening Child Safeguarding Through Sport

On 16 July 2026, the Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC), ARC and UNICEF Maldives met with the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, Hon. Abdulla Rafiu, to discuss the integration and nationwide implementation of child safeguarding within the Maldives' sports sector.

The meeting centred on incorporating Child Safeguarding into the Maldives National Sports Development Plan and strengthening collaborative efforts to implement the existing national safeguarding policy across the country. Discussions focused on ensuring that children participating in sport are protected through safe, inclusive and supportive sporting environments.

Representing the Maldives Olympic Committee at the meeting were Secretary General Thamooh Ahmed Saeed, while ARC was represented by Founder Zenysha Zaki and Programme Manager Aminath Iyan Adil. UNICEF Maldives was represented by Dr. Edward Addai, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives.

Participants explored practical strategies to support the nationwide rollout of the safeguarding policy through coordinated engagement with key stakeholders, including National Sports Associations, sports organisations, clubs and community partners. The discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening awareness, capacity building and safeguarding mechanisms to ensure the policy is effectively implemented throughout the sporting community.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Ministry, the Maldives Olympic Committee, ARC and UNICEF Maldives to advancing child safeguarding in sport and working together to ensure that every child can participate in sport in an environment that is safe, respectful and free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Maldives Olympic Committee continues to prioritise safeguarding as a fundamental responsibility within sport, recognising that creating safe sporting environments is essential to protecting young athletes and supporting their long-term development both on and off the field.