New child protection law passed with mandatory vaccination
The new law would raise age of consent to 18 years.
14 Nov 2019, 9:00 AM
Parliament on Thursday passed with unanimous consent a new child protection law with provisions to make vaccination mandatory, prohibit child marriages and criminalise failure to report child abuse.
Parents would not be legally allowed to deny vaccinating their children and the legal age of consent for marriage would be raised to 18 years. Police officers would be authorised to enter private residences without a court warrant if there is reasonable grounds to suspect a child’s life is in danger.
Submitted on behalf of the government by Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam, the bill also proposes the creation of an advisory council called Child and Family Protection Services as well as residential facilities providing alternate care to all children in need across the country. A Children’s Ombudsman would be elected to the Human Rights Commission to monitor application of laws concerning minors.
The state would also be required to identify children who are not sent to school and ensure that they receive an education.
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