President Mohamed Nasheed has congratulated party leaders of both the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) for putting national interest ahead of political differences.
Speaking during his weekly radio address, Nasheed said talks between the government and DRP to determine inhabited islands were going “very smoothly”. The review of the islands is necessary to comply with local elections law.
Nasheed also promised the Maldives would use its seat on the UN Human Rights Council – which is assumes on Sept 13 – to promote human rights in other countries and consolidate democracy and human rights in the Maldives.
The Maldives faces numerous domestic challenges to human rights, including what the government has previously described as a ‘culture of torture’ that persists in certain institutions, while the US State Department recently put the Maldives on a watch list for human trafficking.
Minivan News recently reported that the exploitation of Bangladeshi labourers rivals fishing as the Maldives’ second greatest export earner after tourism.
“[Human rights] were denied to Maldivians until recently. We will use the seat to consolidate democracy in the Maldives, and protect human rights in the Maldives,” Nasheed said.
Getting highest vote for HRC seat dosn't means domestic human rights violation are to be denied. It also dosnt mean that the government can abuse human rights domestically. The recent events of arbitory arrests of Political party leaders who are parliamentarians too paints a gloomy picture at home. Rule of law is key to upholding human rights and democratic values.Court ruling that it was an arbitary arrest confirms that government isnt seriouse of what they are talking about human rights and democracy.The government of Maldives in recent times have not respected laws that are not in favor of its party members and law is been twisted and misused. Talking of consolidating democracy in Maldives by the President is a joke.Theres is a perseption among General public that benifit of democracy and rule of is only if one is affiliated with the ruling party! this leaves a concerned that public may begin to think that democracy in Maldives is only for MDP members. Not all Maldivians.what a sad moment for Maldives.
Our previous Human Rights Commission leadership was busy trying to advocate promote Human Rights in other countries while we had not even come close to a least acceptable level of Human Rights in our country.... I hope this Commission will focus on this country...and I would wish the President to take the lead through making clear what he will not compromise.
Thank you Mr.President.
Political differences make it harder for decisions.
But, can you also please root out non-performers within your team as well. It will go a long way in achieving what you have promised.
Maizan Adam Manik, being there for 2 years, apparently doesnt what he should be doing. Dont have a clue whats happening in the Ministry?
He may be brilliant, but, for the sake of the country, give him a job where he can make a difference.
Unima Adil : What does he do? I know you cannot expect much from an blabbering idiot, but atleast give him some targets and measure his performance at the end of the year.
Dont get me wrong, I am not advocating any other parties, but just pointing out some brightly lit gaps, which can be easily addressed.