Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) believes that a missing child’s best hope for a safe return depends largely on immediate, coordinated and focused efforts by the responsible state agencies, and calls upon the authorities to step-up its search efforts for 14-year old Shaim Abdulla, missing since 18 June 2019, while in state care.
ARC has been closely following the case and remain gravely concerned for the child’s safety. ARC believes that every moment lost increases the risks of the missing child being in serious harm, abuse and exploitation, and therefore also appeals to the public to remain vigilant and share any credible information they may have, that could assist the authorities with the ongoing investigation.
Children under state care have remained a priority for ARC since its inception and issues of concern identified regarding the current situation at shelters have been raised with relevant authorities. Every effort will also be extended to support the Government to strengthen facilities and programmes to improve the lives of children under state care.