HRCM Searches Social Ministry in Probe Into Newborn Taken Into State Care 

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has conducted a search at the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Family as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the state’s decision to take a newborn into state care.

The HRCM entered the Ministry today under a court issued search warrant to obtain information and documents relevant to the case. According to the warrant, the search is authorised from 9:00 a.m. today until 11:59 p.m. tomorrow. Members of the Commission and its investigative team are currently carrying out the investigation at the Ministry.

The HRCM is empowered under the Human Rights Commission Act to investigate complaints of human rights violations and initiate investigations on its own. The Commission can also obtain information and documents relevant to investigations conducted under its legal mandate.

The case came to public attention after the mother of the newborn raised concerns on social media, alleging that her baby was taken into state custody without her consent just three days after birth.

The mother alleged that the decision was linked to her mental health status and a physical disability affecting her arm. Her claims prompted widespread public concern and criticism, with questions raised over the justification for removing the newborn from her care.

A letter sent to the family by Child and Family Protection Services stated that the newborn, who was born out of wedlock, had been taken into state care due to concerns regarding the child’s safety.

The letter cited the mother’s mental health and physical disability, along with what authorities described as inadequate family support within the domestic environment, as among the primary reasons for the decision.

The Ministry, however, has maintained that the child was taken into state care within the legal framework governing child protection.

The Ministry has further stated that where a child cannot receive adequate protection within the family environment, the state has a responsibility to provide special protection in accordance with Article 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees children and young people special protection and assistance from their families, community and the state.

The Maldives’ child protection framework places the best interests of the child at the centre of decisions concerning children in need of protection. It also recognises the primary responsibility of parents for the care and upbringing of their children, while allowing state intervention when necessary to safeguard a child’s welfare.

The HRCM’s search is expected to allow investigators to examine records, assessments and other information held by the Ministry regarding the circumstances that led to the newborn being taken into state care.

The investigation comes amid growing public debate over the balance between the state’s responsibility to protect children and the rights of parents, particularly in cases involving disability, mental health and family support.

The HRCM has not yet announced any findings in the case. The investigation remains ongoing, and the Commission is expected to determine whether the actions taken by state authorities were consistent with the law and the human rights of the mother and child.