Government launches mediation training after study highlights risks faced by children in unstable homes

Mediators are being trained to provide out‑of‑court, negotiated solutions to family disputes.

The National Family Mediation Training Programme was launched on Saturday to train mediators capable of resolving family issues outside the courtroom.

According to the Health Ministry, the initiative is a key component of the Child and Family Wellbeing Project, jointly implemented by the Ministry, UNICEF, the Family Court and the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA).

At Saturday’s ceremony, a study report on family problem‑solving was also launched. The report was unveiled by Health Minister Geela Ali, while the National Mediation Training Programme was inaugurated by Chief Justice Abdul Ghanee Mohamed.

The Ministry said the study aims to identify the adverse effects of family instability on children and ways to mitigate them. Based on these findings, the National Family Mediation Training Programme is designed to build a network of skilled mediators across the country who can support families facing a range of issues.

The Ministry noted that the study found children’s health and development are closely linked to the experiences of women or their caregivers. Vulnerabilities were observed across all stages of life, with the report outlining how families experience instability before, during and after marriage, throughout separation, and following divorce.

A major finding of the study is that poor communication or communication barriers are among the biggest drivers of family instability at every stage of family life, a factor that significantly increases children’s vulnerability.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Geela said the initiative aims to strengthen family bonds and protect children’s rights, reflecting the Government of Maldives’ broader vision. She said building a compassionate society is a central objective of the administration.

“This vision is based on the belief that strong families are the foundation of a strong society, and that every child has the right to grow up in a loving, safe and supportive environment. Therefore, the aim of this government is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a family environment with protection and love,” said Minister Geela Ali.

A successful launch of the National Family Mediation Training Programme and launch of the Vulnerabilities of Children and Women in Family Life Research Report was held today at Meerumaa, with key partners including @UNICEF, the @djamaldives, and the @FamilyCourtMv
This ceremony… pic.twitter.com/bJuCAkAUyM

— Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare (@MoHmv) June 20, 2026

The Ministry said the training programme will be conducted in collaboration with institutions such as the Family Court and the DJA, and is being developed and implemented with funding from UNICEF Maldives.

The main objective of the programme is to build competent mediators across the country who can help families reach peaceful, out‑of‑court settlements. The Training of Trainers component is scheduled to begin on Sunday, while the mediator‑level training will be held in July.

Institutions including the Family Court and the Judicial Academy will take part in the training, and the DJA will maintain a register of graduates.

The Ministry said the initiative will help foster a culture of peaceful dispute resolution and will play a significant role in protecting the interests of children.