State children’s shelter Fiyavathi accused of child abuse after viral video

Fiyavathi, children's home in Hulhumalé | Photo: Twitter

Malé, Maldives – A viral video is circulating in social media where crowds gather infront of state run children’s shelter Fiyavathi as screams of children radiate from the inside.

Police and Gender Ministry are now investigating the matter after crowds gathered at Fiyavathi asking to open the door and get inside the shelter as sounds of crying children were recorded.

The State Minister of Gender Ministry Ibrahim Shihab informed local news Adhadhu that the case was immediately brought to attention and is being investigated with the help of Human Rights Commission and Child’s Ombudsperson’s Office.

Shihab said that action will be taken if any staff is responsible for abusing children at the shelter.

While Police investigates the matter, the Child and Family Protection Service denies allegations of abuse stating that children at the shelter have suffered various forms of trauma prior to being placed at the shelter and express the post traumatic issues in many forms. The agency stated no child was abused last night.

State children’s shelters have faced various allegations including abuse previously.