The Children's Ombudsperson's Office has condemned the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for spreading false information about the president's son during its ongoing series of protests in Malé, saying it undermines his dignity.

In a statement released on Sunday, the office noted that Article 35 of Chapter 2 of the Constitution establishes that children are entitled to special protection from their family, community members, and the state.

The statement highlighted that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression to all, everyone in Maldivian society must ensure this right is exercised without infringing on the rights or dignity of others and within the framework of laws ratified and implemented in the Maldives.

The statement further explained that, under the Constitution and the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Child Rights Protection Act outlines the rights of children, their responsibilities, and the duties of parents, guardians, families, society, the state, and other parties towards children, as well as principles for ensuring their protection.

Under Article 33 of the Constitution, every person has the right to protection of their name and reputation. The office condemned the fact that, during a gathering organised by a registered political party in the Maldives, statements that could harm a child's dignity were made, and a registered media outlet in the Maldives broadcast them.

The office stated that such actions against children can weaken their self-confidence and cause significant psychological harm.

The Children's Ombudsperson's Office appealed to all parties to refrain from actions that could compromise children's dignity and interests and to uphold all the rights and protections stipulated for children in the Constitution, the Child Rights Protection Act, and the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The office implored Maldivian society and relevant state authorities to prevent the recurrence of such acts, which violate Article 33 of the Child Rights Protection Act by disregarding children's interests, emphasising that ensuring children's protection, safety, and care is a collective responsibility.