12. Children in Maldives specially those living in the capital city and other more populated islands are easily exposed to criminal and gang activities as they live in small, and sometimes congested communities.14,15,16 Many gangs in the Maldives have children as its members and they were involved in many of the gang related deaths. Children have been killed or injured in confrontations between the gangs.17,18The authorities have not been successful in taking appropriate actions or steps to prevent child deaths caused by gang activities. The committee may wish to ask the government 1. Measures taken to prevent infanticides and abandonment of children 2. Measures taken to eliminate gang related violence. Developed long‐term plans to ensure the security of persons and right to life Respect for the views of the child (Article 12) A culture of including children when making household decisions does not exist.19According to an HRCM study conducted on child participation in the Maldives, some of the reasons children think adults do not listen to them is because they are too young to understand, and do not believe in them. Children are not consulted when making plans at an island or atoll level.20 13. Juvenile offender and victims of abuse are consulted commonly when making decisions relevant to them especially if the investigation finds that removing the child from the family/guardian is in the best interest of the child.21 During investigations child offenders and victims are also informed of the support services available especially if intensive counseling is required.22 The committee may wish to ask the government 1. Measures taken by the step to realize the intrinsic principle of child participation in the Maldives Civil Rights and Freedom Freedom of Expression(Article 13) 14. HRCM learned through its monitoring visits that most children between 14‐18 years have access to internet via mobile phones and other electronic mediums and there have been some incidents of children misusing their access and freedom to use internet.23,24School managements and the whole education system is yet unsuccessful in taking appropriate actions in addressing the issue of cyber bullying.. Furthermore, parents are often unable to prevent children from being exposed to age inappropriate information and pornography, through internet and social media.25 The committee may wish to ask the government 1. Measures taken to ensure safe cyber environment for minors and to prevent internet child pornography. 2. Awareness programs in schools to address the issue of cyber bullying and defamation. Page 6 of 39