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HRCM President Dr. Mariyam Rameela (R), Vice President Mohamed Zahid (C), and Commission Member Ismail Habib. -- Photo: HRCM

MALÉ: The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has launched an investigation into the government’s decision to take a three-day-old infant into state custody without the mother’s consent.

The commission confirmed it opened the inquiry after a formal complaint was submitted regarding social media posts detailing the incident. The case sparked widespread public debate and criticism directed at the Ministry of Social and Family Development over its handling of the family.

Background and Allegations

• Mother’s Account: The 25-year-old mother stated on social media that authorities took her newborn child on the third day after birth against her wishes. She claimed officials cited her mental health condition and physical hand disability as reasons for the removal.

• Child Born Out of Wedlock: Officials noted the child was born out of wedlock and raised concerns regarding the mother’s living environment and support systems.

• Official Reasons Cited by Authorities: A letter sent to the family by the Child and Family Protection Service stated the infant was taken due to safety concerns, citing the mother’s living conditions, mental health status, physical disability, and a lack of familial care support.

Ministry Defense and HRCM Invalidation Push

In response to public criticism, the Ministry of Health, Family, and Welfare released a statement asserting that authorities acted in full accordance with child protection laws. The ministry emphasized that the state only assumes custody of a child when safety and protection cannot be guaranteed within the family unit.

The HRCM stated that its investigation will examine whether due process was followed and whether the rights of both the mother and the newborn were violated during the intervention.