| MALDIVES Republic of Maldives Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa Joined United Nations: 21 September 1965 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 10/08/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Male
396,334 (July 2010 est.)
Under the new constitution, the president is elected by direct vote;
president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
election last held 8 and 28 October 2008
Next scheduled election: 2013
president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
election last held 8 and 28 October 2008
Next scheduled election: 2013
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
According to the Maldivian Constitution,the President is both
the Chief of State and Head of Government
the Chief of State and Head of Government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs
| RELIGIONS |
Sunni Muslim
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic with 19 atolls (atholhu, singular and plural) and the capital city; Legal system is based on Islamic law with admixtures of
English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: Under the new constitution, the president is elected by direct vote; president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second
term); election last held 8 and 28 October 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
Legislative: Unicameral People's Council or Majlis (50 seats; 42 members elected by popular vote, 8 appointed by the president;
to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 9 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
Judicial: High Court
English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: Under the new constitution, the president is elected by direct vote; president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second
term); election last held 8 and 28 October 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
Legislative: Unicameral People's Council or Majlis (50 seats; 42 members elected by popular vote, 8 appointed by the president;
to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 9 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
Judicial: High Court
| LANGUAGES |
Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials
| BRIEF HISTORY |
It is not known when the Maldives were settled for the first time. Comparative studies of the oral tradition reveal that the first settlers
must have been Dravidian people from the nearest coasts, probably fishermen from the SW coasts of the Indian subcontinent and
the western shores of Sri Lanka. The first settlements of the Maldives must have happened many millennia ago, for there is a lack of
a proper myth relating the settlement of the islands. These first Maldivian settlers didn't leave any archaeological remains. Their
buildings were probably built of wood, palm fronds and other perishable materials which would quickly decay in the tropical
climate. Moreover, their chiefs or headmen didn't live in elaborate stone palaces, and their religion did not require the building of
large temples or compounds. Therefore, although the Maldives have been populated continuously for perhaps many thousands of
years, the first archaeological remains in the Maldives date from the Buddhist period. Despite being omitted or just mentioned briefly
in most history books, the Buddhist period has a foundational importance in the history of the Maldives. It was during this period,
that the culture of the Maldives, as we know it now, flourished and developed. Buddhism probably spread to the Maldives in the
3rd century BC, at the time of the Mauryan emperor Aśoka the Great, when it extended to the regions of Afghanistan and Central
Asia, beyond the Mauryas' northwest border, as well as South to the island of Sri Lanka and the Maldive Islands. Buddhism
became the dominant religion in the Maldives and enjoyed royal patronage for many centuries, probably as long as over one
thousand and four hundred years. Practically all archaeological remains in the Maldives are from Buddhist stupas and monasteries,
and all artifacts found to date display characteristic Buddhist iconography. Buddhist (and Hindu) temples were Mandala shaped,
they are oriented according to the four cardinal points, the main gate being towards the east. Even today, many mosques in
Maldives face the sun and not Mecca. Since building space and materials were scarce, Maldivians constructed their places of
worship on the foundations of previous buildings. The ancient Buddhist stupas are called "havitta", "hatteli" or "ustubu" by the
Maldivians according to the different atolls. These stupas and other archaeological remains, like foundations of Buddhist buildings
Vihara, compound walls and stone baths, are found on many islands of the Maldives. The interest of Middle Eastern peoples in
Maldives resulted from its strategic location and its abundant supply of cowrie shells, a form of currency that was widely used
throughout Asia and parts of the East African coast since ancient times. Middle Eastern seafarers had just begun to take over the
Indian Ocean trade routes in the tenth century A.D. and found Maldives to be an important link in those routes. The importance of
the Arabs as traders in the Indian Ocean by the twelfth century A.D. may partly explain why the last Buddhist king of Maldives
converted to Islam in the year 1153 (or 1193, for certain copper plate grants give a later date). The king thereupon adopted the
Muslim title and name (in Arabic) of Sultan (besides the old Divehi title of Maha Radun or Ras Kilege or Rasgefānu) Muhammad al
Adil, initiating a series of six Islamic dynasties consisting of eighty-four sultans and sultanas that lasted until 1932 when the sultanate
became elective. The person responsible for this conversion was a Sunni Muslim visitor named Abu al Barakat. His venerated tomb
now stands on the grounds of Hukuru Mosque, or miski, in the capital of Malé. Built in 1656, this is the oldest mosque in Maldives.
Arab interest in Maldives also was reflected in the residence there in the 1340s of the well-known North African traveler Ibn
Battutah. It is worth noticing that compared to the other areas of South Asia, the conversion of the Maldives to Islam happened
relatively late. Arab Traders had converted populations in the Malabar coast since the 7th century, and the Arab invader
Muhammad Bin Qāsim had converted large swathes of Sind to Islam at about the same time. The Maldives remained a Buddhist
kingdom for another five hundred years (perhaps the westernmost Buddhist country) until the conversion to Islam. In 1558 the
Portuguese established a small garrison with a Viador (Viyazoru), or overseer of a trading warehouse in the Maldives, which they
administered from their main colony in Goa. It is said that they tried to impose Christianity on the locals. Thus, fifteen years later, a
local leader named Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Azam and his brother organized a popular revolt and drove the Portuguese out of
Maldives. This event is now commemorated as National Day, and a small museum and memorial center honor the hero on his home
island of Utheemu on South Thiladhummathi Atoll. In the mid-seventeenth century, the Dutch, who had replaced the Portuguese as
the dominant power in Ceylon, established hegemony over Maldivian affairs without involving themselves directly in local matters,
which were governed according to centuries-old Islamic customs. However, the British expelled the Dutch from Ceylon in 1796
and included Maldives as a British protected area. The status of Maldives as a British protectorate was officially recorded in an
1887 agreement in which the sultan accepted British influence over Maldivian external relations and defense. The British had no
presence, however, on the leading island community of Malé. They left the islanders alone, as had the Dutch, with regard to internal
administration to continue to be regulated by Muslim traditional institutions. During the British era, which lasted until 1965, Maldives
continued to be ruled under a succession of sultans. It was a period during which the Sultan's authority and powers were
increasingly and decisively taken over by the Chief Minister, much to the chagrin of the British Governor-General who continued to
deal with the ineffectual Sultan. Consequently, Britain encouraged the development of a constitutional monarchy, and the first
Constitution was proclaimed in 1932. However, the new arrangements favoured neither the aging Sultan nor the wily Chief Minister,
but rather a young crop of British-educated reformists. As a result, angry mobs were instigated against the Constitution which was
publicly torn up. Maldives remained a British crown protectorate until 1953 when the sultanate was suspended and the First
Republic was declared under the short-lived presidency of Muhammad Amin Didi. This first elected president of the country
introduced several reforms. While serving as prime minister during the 1940s, Didi nationalized the fish export industry. As president
he is remembered as a reformer of the education system and a promoter of women's rights. Muslim conservatives in Malé eventually
ousted his government, and during a riot over food shortages, Didi was beaten by a mob and died on a nearby island. Beginning in
the 1950s, political history in Maldives was largely influenced by the British military presence in the islands. In 1954 the restoration
of the sultanate perpetuated the rule of the past. Two years later, the United Kingdom obtained permission to reestablish its wartime
airfield on Gan in the southernmost Addu Atoll. On July 26, 1965, Maldives gained independence under an agreement signed with
United Kingdom. The British government retained the use of the Gan and Hitaddu facilities. In a national referendum in March
1968, Maldivians abolished the sultanate and established a republic. The Second Republic was proclaimed in November 1968
under the presidency of Ibrahim Nasir, who had increasingly dominated the political scene. Under the new constitution, Nasir was
elected indirectly to a four-year presidential term by the Majlis (legislature). He appointed Ahmed Zaki as the new prime minister. In
1973 Nasir was elected to a second term under the constitution as amended in 1972, which extended the presidential term to five
years and which also provided for the election of the prime minister by the Majlis. Elected to replace Nasir for a five-year
presidential term in 1978 was Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, a former university lecturer and Maldivian ambassador to the United
Nations (UN). The peaceful election was seen as ushering in a period of political stability and economic development in view of
Gayoom's priority to develop the poorer islands. In 1978 Maldives joined the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Despite the popularity of Gayoom, those connected to the former President hired ex-SAS mercenaries in 1980 to carry out a coup
to oust him. Despite coup attempts in 1980, 1983, and 1988, Gayoom's popularity remained strong, allowing him to win three more
presidential terms. In the 1983, 1988, and 1993 elections, Gayoom received more than 90 % of the vote. The 1988 coup had been
masterminded and sponsored by a few disgruntled businessmen, chiefly Sikka Ahmed Ismail Maniku and Abdulla Luthufi, who
were operating a farm in Sri Lanka. Ex-president Nasir denied any involvement in the coup. In fact, in July 1990, President
Gayoom officially pardoned Nasir in absentia in recognition of his role in obtaining Maldives' independence.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Maldives
must have been Dravidian people from the nearest coasts, probably fishermen from the SW coasts of the Indian subcontinent and
the western shores of Sri Lanka. The first settlements of the Maldives must have happened many millennia ago, for there is a lack of
a proper myth relating the settlement of the islands. These first Maldivian settlers didn't leave any archaeological remains. Their
buildings were probably built of wood, palm fronds and other perishable materials which would quickly decay in the tropical
climate. Moreover, their chiefs or headmen didn't live in elaborate stone palaces, and their religion did not require the building of
large temples or compounds. Therefore, although the Maldives have been populated continuously for perhaps many thousands of
years, the first archaeological remains in the Maldives date from the Buddhist period. Despite being omitted or just mentioned briefly
in most history books, the Buddhist period has a foundational importance in the history of the Maldives. It was during this period,
that the culture of the Maldives, as we know it now, flourished and developed. Buddhism probably spread to the Maldives in the
3rd century BC, at the time of the Mauryan emperor Aśoka the Great, when it extended to the regions of Afghanistan and Central
Asia, beyond the Mauryas' northwest border, as well as South to the island of Sri Lanka and the Maldive Islands. Buddhism
became the dominant religion in the Maldives and enjoyed royal patronage for many centuries, probably as long as over one
thousand and four hundred years. Practically all archaeological remains in the Maldives are from Buddhist stupas and monasteries,
and all artifacts found to date display characteristic Buddhist iconography. Buddhist (and Hindu) temples were Mandala shaped,
they are oriented according to the four cardinal points, the main gate being towards the east. Even today, many mosques in
Maldives face the sun and not Mecca. Since building space and materials were scarce, Maldivians constructed their places of
worship on the foundations of previous buildings. The ancient Buddhist stupas are called "havitta", "hatteli" or "ustubu" by the
Maldivians according to the different atolls. These stupas and other archaeological remains, like foundations of Buddhist buildings
Vihara, compound walls and stone baths, are found on many islands of the Maldives. The interest of Middle Eastern peoples in
Maldives resulted from its strategic location and its abundant supply of cowrie shells, a form of currency that was widely used
throughout Asia and parts of the East African coast since ancient times. Middle Eastern seafarers had just begun to take over the
Indian Ocean trade routes in the tenth century A.D. and found Maldives to be an important link in those routes. The importance of
the Arabs as traders in the Indian Ocean by the twelfth century A.D. may partly explain why the last Buddhist king of Maldives
converted to Islam in the year 1153 (or 1193, for certain copper plate grants give a later date). The king thereupon adopted the
Muslim title and name (in Arabic) of Sultan (besides the old Divehi title of Maha Radun or Ras Kilege or Rasgefānu) Muhammad al
Adil, initiating a series of six Islamic dynasties consisting of eighty-four sultans and sultanas that lasted until 1932 when the sultanate
became elective. The person responsible for this conversion was a Sunni Muslim visitor named Abu al Barakat. His venerated tomb
now stands on the grounds of Hukuru Mosque, or miski, in the capital of Malé. Built in 1656, this is the oldest mosque in Maldives.
Arab interest in Maldives also was reflected in the residence there in the 1340s of the well-known North African traveler Ibn
Battutah. It is worth noticing that compared to the other areas of South Asia, the conversion of the Maldives to Islam happened
relatively late. Arab Traders had converted populations in the Malabar coast since the 7th century, and the Arab invader
Muhammad Bin Qāsim had converted large swathes of Sind to Islam at about the same time. The Maldives remained a Buddhist
kingdom for another five hundred years (perhaps the westernmost Buddhist country) until the conversion to Islam. In 1558 the
Portuguese established a small garrison with a Viador (Viyazoru), or overseer of a trading warehouse in the Maldives, which they
administered from their main colony in Goa. It is said that they tried to impose Christianity on the locals. Thus, fifteen years later, a
local leader named Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Azam and his brother organized a popular revolt and drove the Portuguese out of
Maldives. This event is now commemorated as National Day, and a small museum and memorial center honor the hero on his home
island of Utheemu on South Thiladhummathi Atoll. In the mid-seventeenth century, the Dutch, who had replaced the Portuguese as
the dominant power in Ceylon, established hegemony over Maldivian affairs without involving themselves directly in local matters,
which were governed according to centuries-old Islamic customs. However, the British expelled the Dutch from Ceylon in 1796
and included Maldives as a British protected area. The status of Maldives as a British protectorate was officially recorded in an
1887 agreement in which the sultan accepted British influence over Maldivian external relations and defense. The British had no
presence, however, on the leading island community of Malé. They left the islanders alone, as had the Dutch, with regard to internal
administration to continue to be regulated by Muslim traditional institutions. During the British era, which lasted until 1965, Maldives
continued to be ruled under a succession of sultans. It was a period during which the Sultan's authority and powers were
increasingly and decisively taken over by the Chief Minister, much to the chagrin of the British Governor-General who continued to
deal with the ineffectual Sultan. Consequently, Britain encouraged the development of a constitutional monarchy, and the first
Constitution was proclaimed in 1932. However, the new arrangements favoured neither the aging Sultan nor the wily Chief Minister,
but rather a young crop of British-educated reformists. As a result, angry mobs were instigated against the Constitution which was
publicly torn up. Maldives remained a British crown protectorate until 1953 when the sultanate was suspended and the First
Republic was declared under the short-lived presidency of Muhammad Amin Didi. This first elected president of the country
introduced several reforms. While serving as prime minister during the 1940s, Didi nationalized the fish export industry. As president
he is remembered as a reformer of the education system and a promoter of women's rights. Muslim conservatives in Malé eventually
ousted his government, and during a riot over food shortages, Didi was beaten by a mob and died on a nearby island. Beginning in
the 1950s, political history in Maldives was largely influenced by the British military presence in the islands. In 1954 the restoration
of the sultanate perpetuated the rule of the past. Two years later, the United Kingdom obtained permission to reestablish its wartime
airfield on Gan in the southernmost Addu Atoll. On July 26, 1965, Maldives gained independence under an agreement signed with
United Kingdom. The British government retained the use of the Gan and Hitaddu facilities. In a national referendum in March
1968, Maldivians abolished the sultanate and established a republic. The Second Republic was proclaimed in November 1968
under the presidency of Ibrahim Nasir, who had increasingly dominated the political scene. Under the new constitution, Nasir was
elected indirectly to a four-year presidential term by the Majlis (legislature). He appointed Ahmed Zaki as the new prime minister. In
1973 Nasir was elected to a second term under the constitution as amended in 1972, which extended the presidential term to five
years and which also provided for the election of the prime minister by the Majlis. Elected to replace Nasir for a five-year
presidential term in 1978 was Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, a former university lecturer and Maldivian ambassador to the United
Nations (UN). The peaceful election was seen as ushering in a period of political stability and economic development in view of
Gayoom's priority to develop the poorer islands. In 1978 Maldives joined the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Despite the popularity of Gayoom, those connected to the former President hired ex-SAS mercenaries in 1980 to carry out a coup
to oust him. Despite coup attempts in 1980, 1983, and 1988, Gayoom's popularity remained strong, allowing him to win three more
presidential terms. In the 1983, 1988, and 1993 elections, Gayoom received more than 90 % of the vote. The 1988 coup had been
masterminded and sponsored by a few disgruntled businessmen, chiefly Sikka Ahmed Ismail Maniku and Abdulla Luthufi, who
were operating a farm in Sri Lanka. Ex-president Nasir denied any involvement in the coup. In fact, in July 1990, President
Gayoom officially pardoned Nasir in absentia in recognition of his role in obtaining Maldives' independence.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Maldives
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Tourism, Maldives' largest economic activity, accounts for 28% of GDP and more than 60% of foreign exchange receipts. Over
90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Fishing is the second leading sector.
Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a lesser role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land
and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be imported. The Maldivian Government implemented economic
reforms, beginning in 1989 that initially lifted import quotas, opened some exports to the private sector, and liberalized regulations to
allow more foreign investment. Real GDP growth averaged over 7.5% per year for more than a decade, and registered 18% in
2006, due to a rebound in tourism and reconstruction following the tsunami of December 2004. GDP slowed in 2007-08, then
contracted in 2009 due to the global recession. Falling tourist arrivals and fish exports, combined with high government spending on
social needs, subsidies, and civil servant salaries contributed to a balance of payments crisis, which was eased with a December
2009, $79.3 million dollar IMF standby agreement. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism and fishing, reforming public finance,
and increasing employment opportunities are major challenges facing the government. Over the longer term Maldivian authorities
worry about the impact of erosion and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is 1 meter or less above
sea level.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Maldives)
90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Fishing is the second leading sector.
Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a lesser role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land
and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be imported. The Maldivian Government implemented economic
reforms, beginning in 1989 that initially lifted import quotas, opened some exports to the private sector, and liberalized regulations to
allow more foreign investment. Real GDP growth averaged over 7.5% per year for more than a decade, and registered 18% in
2006, due to a rebound in tourism and reconstruction following the tsunami of December 2004. GDP slowed in 2007-08, then
contracted in 2009 due to the global recession. Falling tourist arrivals and fish exports, combined with high government spending on
social needs, subsidies, and civil servant salaries contributed to a balance of payments crisis, which was eased with a December
2009, $79.3 million dollar IMF standby agreement. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism and fishing, reforming public finance,
and increasing employment opportunities are major challenges facing the government. Over the longer term Maldivian authorities
worry about the impact of erosion and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is 1 meter or less above
sea level.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Maldives)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The Maldives have scored poorly on some indices of freedom. The "Freedom in the World" index, a measure of political rights and
civil liberties and published by Freedom House, judges Maldives as "not free", and the "Worldwide Press Freedom Index",
published by Reporters Without Borders, lists Maldives as a "very serious situation" (a judgment also given to Libya, Cuba, and
China).
Violent protests broke out in Malé on September 20, 2003 after Evan Naseem, a prisoner, was killed in Maafushi jail, after the
most brutal torture, reportedly by prison staff. An attempt to cover up the death was foiled when the mother of the dead man
discovered the marks of torture on his body and made the knowledge public, therefore triggering the riots. A subsequent
disturbance at the prison resulted in three deaths when police guards at the prison opened fire on the inmates. Several government
buildings were set on fire during the riots. As a result of pressure from reformists, the junior prison guards responsible for Naseem's
death were subsequently tried, convicted and sentenced in 2005 in what was believed to be a show trial that avoided the senior
officers involved being investigated. The report of an inquiry into the prison shootings was heavily censored by the Government,
citing "national security" grounds. Pro-reformists claim this was in order to cover-up the chain of authority and circumstances that
led to the killings.
There were fresh protests on August 13, 2004, (Black Friday), which appear to have begun as a demand for the release of four
political activists from detention. Up to 5,000 demonstrators were involved. After two police officers were reportedly stabbed,
allegedly by government agents provocateur, President Gayoom declared a State of Emergency and suppressed the demonstration,
suspending all human rights guaranteed under the Constitution, banning demonstrations and the expression of views critical of the
government. At least 250 pro-reform protestors were arrested. As part of the state of emergency, and to prevent independent
reporting of events, the government shut off Internet access and some mobile telephony services to Maldives on August 13 and 14,
2004.
A new Constitution was ratified in August 2008, paving the way for the country's first multi-party presidential election two months
later. On October 8, 2008, the country held its first ever multi-party presidential election. On October 8, no candidate gained more
than 50% of the vote; a runoff was held on October 28 between Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed and his
running mate, Dr. Mohammed Waheed Hassan. Nasheed and Dr. Waheed won the election, unseating long time incumbent
Gayoom.
The election was the first one held democratically in the history of the Maldives.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Maldives
civil liberties and published by Freedom House, judges Maldives as "not free", and the "Worldwide Press Freedom Index",
published by Reporters Without Borders, lists Maldives as a "very serious situation" (a judgment also given to Libya, Cuba, and
China).
Violent protests broke out in Malé on September 20, 2003 after Evan Naseem, a prisoner, was killed in Maafushi jail, after the
most brutal torture, reportedly by prison staff. An attempt to cover up the death was foiled when the mother of the dead man
discovered the marks of torture on his body and made the knowledge public, therefore triggering the riots. A subsequent
disturbance at the prison resulted in three deaths when police guards at the prison opened fire on the inmates. Several government
buildings were set on fire during the riots. As a result of pressure from reformists, the junior prison guards responsible for Naseem's
death were subsequently tried, convicted and sentenced in 2005 in what was believed to be a show trial that avoided the senior
officers involved being investigated. The report of an inquiry into the prison shootings was heavily censored by the Government,
citing "national security" grounds. Pro-reformists claim this was in order to cover-up the chain of authority and circumstances that
led to the killings.
There were fresh protests on August 13, 2004, (Black Friday), which appear to have begun as a demand for the release of four
political activists from detention. Up to 5,000 demonstrators were involved. After two police officers were reportedly stabbed,
allegedly by government agents provocateur, President Gayoom declared a State of Emergency and suppressed the demonstration,
suspending all human rights guaranteed under the Constitution, banning demonstrations and the expression of views critical of the
government. At least 250 pro-reform protestors were arrested. As part of the state of emergency, and to prevent independent
reporting of events, the government shut off Internet access and some mobile telephony services to Maldives on August 13 and 14,
2004.
A new Constitution was ratified in August 2008, paving the way for the country's first multi-party presidential election two months
later. On October 8, 2008, the country held its first ever multi-party presidential election. On October 8, no candidate gained more
than 50% of the vote; a runoff was held on October 28 between Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed and his
running mate, Dr. Mohammed Waheed Hassan. Nasheed and Dr. Waheed won the election, unseating long time incumbent
Gayoom.
The election was the first one held democratically in the history of the Maldives.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Maldives
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
IDPs: 1,000-10,000 (December 2004 tsunami victims) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Maldives
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Report on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of Maldives is a multiparty democracy with a population of approximately 390,000. In August 2008 parliament ratified a
new constitution that provided for the first multiparty presidential elections. In October 2008 Mohamed Nasheed became the country's
first directly elected president in relatively free and fair elections. The constitution establishes a bill of rights and mandates a strict
separation of powers among all the branches of government. On May 9, the country held its first multiparty parliamentary elections. The
ruling Maldivian Democratic Party won 26 out of the 77 seats in the Majlis (parliament); 28 seats went to the main opposition party,
former president Maumoon Gayoom's Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP); and the remaining seats went to independent candidates and
smaller members of the coalition government and opposition. Election observers from the British Commonwealth, Sri Lanka-based
diplomatic missions, and local organizations such as Transparency Maldives reported the elections were relatively free and fair, with
minor voting irregularities. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens and upheld civil liberties. Its human rights record continued to
improve from the previous year, although some issues remained, including:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Report on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of Maldives is a multiparty democracy with a population of approximately 390,000. In August 2008 parliament ratified a
new constitution that provided for the first multiparty presidential elections. In October 2008 Mohamed Nasheed became the country's
first directly elected president in relatively free and fair elections. The constitution establishes a bill of rights and mandates a strict
separation of powers among all the branches of government. On May 9, the country held its first multiparty parliamentary elections. The
ruling Maldivian Democratic Party won 26 out of the 77 seats in the Majlis (parliament); 28 seats went to the main opposition party,
former president Maumoon Gayoom's Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP); and the remaining seats went to independent candidates and
smaller members of the coalition government and opposition. Election observers from the British Commonwealth, Sri Lanka-based
diplomatic missions, and local organizations such as Transparency Maldives reported the elections were relatively free and fair, with
minor voting irregularities. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens and upheld civil liberties. Its human rights record continued to
improve from the previous year, although some issues remained, including:
- abuse of detainees by security forces,
- the unequal treatment of women,
- restrictions on religious freedom and workers' rights.
11 January 2010
Human Rights Council
Thirteenth session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to
development
Report of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and
on the right to non-discrimination in this context, Raquel Rolnik*
Mission to Maldives**
Summary
At the invitation of the Government, the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of
living, and on the right to nondiscrimination in this context, conducted a mission to Maldives from 18 to 25 February 2009. The main
focus of the visit was to examine the impact of climate change on the right to adequate housing and the achievements made and
difficulties encountered in the posttsunami reconstruction process.
The report also discusses the post-tsunami reconstruction process. The 2004 tsunami gravely affected the economy and some of the
social progress that was being made by the country. During her visit, the Special Rapporteur noted that most of the new houses
provided by international assistance were of good quality and a high standard. She also noted that reconstruction projects involving
communities themselves had better outcomes.
Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur also noted that, in some cases, this construction was not in line with the culture or livelihood of the
communities. The Special Rapporteur also questions certain decisions taken in the aftermath of the tsunami, such as the relocation of
communities when not absolutely necessary. While the efforts to regroup communities living in different islands onto one island in order
to be able to provide services in a more cost-efficient way may be needed in some cases, in other cases alternatives to relocation and
innovative approaches could be envisaged.
The Special Rapporteur also discusses the issue of land and its traditional allocation in Maldives. She commends the very positive aspect
of this allocation, which gives access to land to all in order to have housing regardless of social class and wealth. Unfortunately, given
land scarcity and the increased population, the Special Rapporteur believes that the traditional allocation of plots is no longer viable. She
believes that, while a reform in land and housing is needed in Maldives, the complete privatization of this sector and total reliance on
private markets will be an error and, as a result, will leave many without access to adequate housing.
Click here to read more »
Human Rights Council
Thirteenth session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to
development
Report of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and
on the right to non-discrimination in this context, Raquel Rolnik*
Mission to Maldives**
Summary
At the invitation of the Government, the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of
living, and on the right to nondiscrimination in this context, conducted a mission to Maldives from 18 to 25 February 2009. The main
focus of the visit was to examine the impact of climate change on the right to adequate housing and the achievements made and
difficulties encountered in the posttsunami reconstruction process.
The report also discusses the post-tsunami reconstruction process. The 2004 tsunami gravely affected the economy and some of the
social progress that was being made by the country. During her visit, the Special Rapporteur noted that most of the new houses
provided by international assistance were of good quality and a high standard. She also noted that reconstruction projects involving
communities themselves had better outcomes.
Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur also noted that, in some cases, this construction was not in line with the culture or livelihood of the
communities. The Special Rapporteur also questions certain decisions taken in the aftermath of the tsunami, such as the relocation of
communities when not absolutely necessary. While the efforts to regroup communities living in different islands onto one island in order
to be able to provide services in a more cost-efficient way may be needed in some cases, in other cases alternatives to relocation and
innovative approaches could be envisaged.
The Special Rapporteur also discusses the issue of land and its traditional allocation in Maldives. She commends the very positive aspect
of this allocation, which gives access to land to all in order to have housing regardless of social class and wealth. Unfortunately, given
land scarcity and the increased population, the Special Rapporteur believes that the traditional allocation of plots is no longer viable. She
believes that, while a reform in land and housing is needed in Maldives, the complete privatization of this sector and total reliance on
private markets will be an error and, as a result, will leave many without access to adequate housing.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Ratings Change
The Maldives’ political rights rating improved from 4 to 3 due to largely fair and competitive legislative elections held in May
2009.
Overview
Building on a historic transfer of power after the 2008 presidential election, the Maldives continued its democratic opening in 2009 with
May legislative elections that were considered to be largely free and fair. A strong showing by former president Maumoon Abdul
Gayoom’s Maldivian People’s Party ensured that the new parliament would remain balanced by competing political factions, but raised
questions about Mohamed Nasheed’s administration’s ability to implement its ambitious reform agenda. The political transition was
accompanied by a significantly improved environment for freedoms of expression and association, but corruption, religious restrictions,
and abysmal prison conditions remained serious problems.
As the reform process dragged on, political tensions remained high, and Gayoom was attacked in a failed assassination attempt in
January 2008. The PSM approved the final set of constitutional amendments in June of that year. Under pressure from opposition
demonstrators, the president in August ratified the new charter, which included protection for a range of civil liberties while maintaining
restrictions on religious freedom. The country’s first multiparty presidential election was held in two rounds in October. Gayoom
outpolled five challengers in the first round, taking 41 percent of the vote, but MDP leader and former political prisoner Mohamed
Nasheed went on to victory in the runoff with 54 percent. Nearly 87 percent of registered voters turned out for the second round.
The Nasheed administration’s immediate priorities were anticorruption measures, democratization, government decentralization, and
press freedom. In line with the third objective, the government in 2009abolished the Atolls Ministry, appointed seven provincial state
ministers, and published a draft decentralization bill for discussion. The president also abolished the Information Ministry, and introduced
draft bills guaranteeing freedom of expression and press freedom that remained under consideration by the parliament at year’s end.
In the May 2009 parliamentary elections, Gayoom’s Maldivian People’s Party (DRP) won 28 of 77 seats, while the MDP won 26, the
DRP-allied People’s Alliance (PA) took 7, and independents garnered 13. A Commonwealth observer team characterized the voting as
largely transparent and competitive, with a turnout of 79 percent. The DRP’s strong showing—and the election of DRP member
Abdullah Shahid and PA member Ahmed Nazim as speaker and deputy speaker, respectively, of the new Majlis—raised questions about
the ability of the government to push through its ambitious reform agenda.
The Republic of Maldives is an electoral democracy. The first democratic presidential election in 2008 was deemed relatively free and
fair, although observers reported flaws including some preelection violence, a compressed timeframe, and voter registration problems.
The interim election commission established prior to the vote was considered generally professional, transparent, and impartial.
Parliamentary elections held in May 2009 were also judged to be largely credible despite minor problems related to the compilation of the
voters’ list as well as some intimidation and other irregularities.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Ratings Change
The Maldives’ political rights rating improved from 4 to 3 due to largely fair and competitive legislative elections held in May
2009.
Overview
Building on a historic transfer of power after the 2008 presidential election, the Maldives continued its democratic opening in 2009 with
May legislative elections that were considered to be largely free and fair. A strong showing by former president Maumoon Abdul
Gayoom’s Maldivian People’s Party ensured that the new parliament would remain balanced by competing political factions, but raised
questions about Mohamed Nasheed’s administration’s ability to implement its ambitious reform agenda. The political transition was
accompanied by a significantly improved environment for freedoms of expression and association, but corruption, religious restrictions,
and abysmal prison conditions remained serious problems.
As the reform process dragged on, political tensions remained high, and Gayoom was attacked in a failed assassination attempt in
January 2008. The PSM approved the final set of constitutional amendments in June of that year. Under pressure from opposition
demonstrators, the president in August ratified the new charter, which included protection for a range of civil liberties while maintaining
restrictions on religious freedom. The country’s first multiparty presidential election was held in two rounds in October. Gayoom
outpolled five challengers in the first round, taking 41 percent of the vote, but MDP leader and former political prisoner Mohamed
Nasheed went on to victory in the runoff with 54 percent. Nearly 87 percent of registered voters turned out for the second round.
The Nasheed administration’s immediate priorities were anticorruption measures, democratization, government decentralization, and
press freedom. In line with the third objective, the government in 2009abolished the Atolls Ministry, appointed seven provincial state
ministers, and published a draft decentralization bill for discussion. The president also abolished the Information Ministry, and introduced
draft bills guaranteeing freedom of expression and press freedom that remained under consideration by the parliament at year’s end.
In the May 2009 parliamentary elections, Gayoom’s Maldivian People’s Party (DRP) won 28 of 77 seats, while the MDP won 26, the
DRP-allied People’s Alliance (PA) took 7, and independents garnered 13. A Commonwealth observer team characterized the voting as
largely transparent and competitive, with a turnout of 79 percent. The DRP’s strong showing—and the election of DRP member
Abdullah Shahid and PA member Ahmed Nazim as speaker and deputy speaker, respectively, of the new Majlis—raised questions about
the ability of the government to push through its ambitious reform agenda.
The Republic of Maldives is an electoral democracy. The first democratic presidential election in 2008 was deemed relatively free and
fair, although observers reported flaws including some preelection violence, a compressed timeframe, and voter registration problems.
The interim election commission established prior to the vote was considered generally professional, transparent, and impartial.
Parliamentary elections held in May 2009 were also judged to be largely credible despite minor problems related to the compilation of the
voters’ list as well as some intimidation and other irregularities.
Click here to read more »
Suggested recommendations to States considered in the ninth round of the Universal Periodic Review, November 2010
01 September 2010
Recommendations to the government of Maldives
The death penalty
Maldives has not executed anyone for decades and no one is currently at risk of execution. By establishing a formal moratorium on
executions, the Maldives would be sending a clear signal to people in Maldives and in other countries in Asia that the death penalty must
be abolished. For this purpose, Amnesty International is urging the government of the Maldives:
*To immediately establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty as provided by UN General
Assembly resolution 62/149, adopted on 18 December 2007, and resolution 63/168, adopted on 18 December 2008;
*To immediately remove all provisions in national law which are in breach of international human rights law, including restricting the
imposition of the death penalty to only the most serious crimes;
*To ensure rigorous compliance in all death penalty cases with international standards for fair trial, including the rights:
* to be tried before an independent, impartial and competent tribunal,
*to competent defence counsel at every stage of the proceedings,
*to adequate time and facilities to prepare one’s defence,
*to be presumed innocent until guilt has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt,
*to appeal to a higher court, and
*to seek pardon and commutation of sentence;
Ratification of international human rights standards
*To ratify the outstanding core international human rights treaties, in particular:
*The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which was opened for signature in
September 2009;
*The Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at abolition of the death penalty;
*The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, signed on 6 February 2007, making the
declarations set out in Articles 31 and 32, and to implement it in national law in accordance with conventional and customary
international law;
*The Convention on the non-applicability of statutory limitations to war crimes and crimes against humanity, without making
prohibited reservations and to implement it in national law in accordance with conventional and customary international law.
Click here to read more »
01 September 2010
Recommendations to the government of Maldives
The death penalty
Maldives has not executed anyone for decades and no one is currently at risk of execution. By establishing a formal moratorium on
executions, the Maldives would be sending a clear signal to people in Maldives and in other countries in Asia that the death penalty must
be abolished. For this purpose, Amnesty International is urging the government of the Maldives:
*To immediately establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty as provided by UN General
Assembly resolution 62/149, adopted on 18 December 2007, and resolution 63/168, adopted on 18 December 2008;
*To immediately remove all provisions in national law which are in breach of international human rights law, including restricting the
imposition of the death penalty to only the most serious crimes;
*To ensure rigorous compliance in all death penalty cases with international standards for fair trial, including the rights:
* to be tried before an independent, impartial and competent tribunal,
*to competent defence counsel at every stage of the proceedings,
*to adequate time and facilities to prepare one’s defence,
*to be presumed innocent until guilt has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt,
*to appeal to a higher court, and
*to seek pardon and commutation of sentence;
Ratification of international human rights standards
*To ratify the outstanding core international human rights treaties, in particular:
*The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which was opened for signature in
September 2009;
*The Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at abolition of the death penalty;
*The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, signed on 6 February 2007, making the
declarations set out in Articles 31 and 32, and to implement it in national law in accordance with conventional and customary
international law;
*The Convention on the non-applicability of statutory limitations to war crimes and crimes against humanity, without making
prohibited reservations and to implement it in national law in accordance with conventional and customary international law.
Click here to read more »
Letter to SAARC Leaders In Anticipation of Summit In New Delhi
March 29, 2007
Dear SAARC Government Leaders:
As the leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meet in New Delhi on April 3 and 4, 2007, the
discussions will inevitably focus upon economics and regional security. At SAARC meetings, human rights problems in each member
country have usually been treated as an internal matter. However, it takes only a quick survey of the region to see that there are many
human rights issues that would benefit from mutual engagement and agreement.
Apart from other serious human rights problems, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka are also dealing with situations related to
armed conflicts and insurgencies. Nepal, with its numerous human rights problems, has only just emerged from a violent conflict that
claimed over 13,000 lives, and violence continues in the south. Bangladesh has witnessed increased militancy and the caretaker
government has detained tens of thousands, often ignoring basic due process, in its efforts to combat corruption and crime. Bhutan
continues to discriminate against citizens of Nepali origin. In the Maldives, there are serious curbs on political freedom.
In the Maldives, citizens continue to face restrictions on political freedom. Security forces have been implicated in torture and arbitrary
detention, among other abuses. There are severe limitations upon the rights to freedom of the press, assembly, association, and religion.
Unequal treatment of women continues, as do restrictions on workers' rights.
We look forward to discussing these issues with each of you in both a bilateral and multilateral context.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Brad Adams
Executive Director
Asia division
Click here to read more »
March 29, 2007
Dear SAARC Government Leaders:
As the leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meet in New Delhi on April 3 and 4, 2007, the
discussions will inevitably focus upon economics and regional security. At SAARC meetings, human rights problems in each member
country have usually been treated as an internal matter. However, it takes only a quick survey of the region to see that there are many
human rights issues that would benefit from mutual engagement and agreement.
Apart from other serious human rights problems, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka are also dealing with situations related to
armed conflicts and insurgencies. Nepal, with its numerous human rights problems, has only just emerged from a violent conflict that
claimed over 13,000 lives, and violence continues in the south. Bangladesh has witnessed increased militancy and the caretaker
government has detained tens of thousands, often ignoring basic due process, in its efforts to combat corruption and crime. Bhutan
continues to discriminate against citizens of Nepali origin. In the Maldives, there are serious curbs on political freedom.
In the Maldives, citizens continue to face restrictions on political freedom. Security forces have been implicated in torture and arbitrary
detention, among other abuses. There are severe limitations upon the rights to freedom of the press, assembly, association, and religion.
Unequal treatment of women continues, as do restrictions on workers' rights.
We look forward to discussing these issues with each of you in both a bilateral and multilateral context.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Brad Adams
Executive Director
Asia division
Click here to read more »
Maldives updates UN Human Rights Council on political developments
By JJ Robinson | September 15th, 2010
The day after taking a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, the government has updated UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Navi Pillay on recent political developments in the country, and the challenges “surrounding the division and balance of power between
the three branches of government.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN in Geneva Iruthisham Adam
explained to the Council the Maldives was undergoing a democratic transition and was facing “many challenges and difficulties.”
“Many of the institutions, mechanisms and concepts introduced by the 2008 Constitution are new to the Maldives and all of us, including
decision-makers and the general population, are still adapting and learning,” Adam said.
She noted that the government had invited the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) to assist in ensuring the separation of powers between the
executive and legislature following recent political deadlocks, and added that the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) had sent a
high-level mission to the Maldives to strengthen judicial independence and accountability.
The Maldives delegation also requested the Council to work with the authorities in Myanmar/Burma to ensure the country’s elections in
November were “fair and free and reflect the will of the people.”
Press Secretary of the President, Mohamed Zuhair, observed that the Maldives faced its own human rights challenges domestically.
“One allegation many Maldivians are not aware of is human trafficking – the employment of cheap labour, and inhumane treatment of
workers,” he said, adding that how to handle it “is one of our biggest [human rights] challenges.”
The Maldives also faced other human rights maladies such as child molestation and civil rights, he noted.
Click here to read more »
By JJ Robinson | September 15th, 2010
The day after taking a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, the government has updated UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Navi Pillay on recent political developments in the country, and the challenges “surrounding the division and balance of power between
the three branches of government.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN in Geneva Iruthisham Adam
explained to the Council the Maldives was undergoing a democratic transition and was facing “many challenges and difficulties.”
“Many of the institutions, mechanisms and concepts introduced by the 2008 Constitution are new to the Maldives and all of us, including
decision-makers and the general population, are still adapting and learning,” Adam said.
She noted that the government had invited the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) to assist in ensuring the separation of powers between the
executive and legislature following recent political deadlocks, and added that the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) had sent a
high-level mission to the Maldives to strengthen judicial independence and accountability.
The Maldives delegation also requested the Council to work with the authorities in Myanmar/Burma to ensure the country’s elections in
November were “fair and free and reflect the will of the people.”
Press Secretary of the President, Mohamed Zuhair, observed that the Maldives faced its own human rights challenges domestically.
“One allegation many Maldivians are not aware of is human trafficking – the employment of cheap labour, and inhumane treatment of
workers,” he said, adding that how to handle it “is one of our biggest [human rights] challenges.”
The Maldives also faced other human rights maladies such as child molestation and civil rights, he noted.
Click here to read more »
HRCM Strongly Condemns the recent homicides and recurring Crimes in the Maldives
Published on 30-09-2010
This Commission strongly condemns the repeated violations of the right to life guaranteed to all human beings which has led to the loss
of peace and harmony in the Maldives leaving the citizens in a state of fear. Several persons have fallen victim to, and passed away due
to stabbings, violent fights and vicious crimes. HRCM condemns the acts of violence which allegedly has led to the death of an elderly
person in H.A. Hoarafushi Island last night. We call upon the relevant state institutions, civil society and communities to reflect deeply on
these inhumane acts, take a more active stance and put an extra effort to curb such crimes.
In this respect, taking into consideration our “Research to Determine the Causes for Increasing Incidents of Crime in the Society
(2009)”, we are in the process of planning a program and mechanism involving relevant authorities and concerned bodies in finding
solutions to this immediate problem of crime.
Click here to read more »
Published on 30-09-2010
This Commission strongly condemns the repeated violations of the right to life guaranteed to all human beings which has led to the loss
of peace and harmony in the Maldives leaving the citizens in a state of fear. Several persons have fallen victim to, and passed away due
to stabbings, violent fights and vicious crimes. HRCM condemns the acts of violence which allegedly has led to the death of an elderly
person in H.A. Hoarafushi Island last night. We call upon the relevant state institutions, civil society and communities to reflect deeply on
these inhumane acts, take a more active stance and put an extra effort to curb such crimes.
In this respect, taking into consideration our “Research to Determine the Causes for Increasing Incidents of Crime in the Society
(2009)”, we are in the process of planning a program and mechanism involving relevant authorities and concerned bodies in finding
solutions to this immediate problem of crime.
Click here to read more »
Maldives: NGO's concern over Ministry of Islamic Affairs' campaign of intolerance
12 May 2010
Dear Sir/Madam,
In two days, the UN will elect four members to represent Asia in its Human Rights Commission. The Maldives, as one of the candidates,
is widely expected to gain a seat since only four member states are running for the four seats. But is the Maldives ready for a human
rights position at the international stage?
Here in the Maldives, human rights activists and civil society groups have been raising concerns about the threat to freedom of
expression, gender equality and child rights from a sustained campaign being waged largely by the government’s Ministry of Islamic
Affairs.
Headed by leaders of the religious right wing Adhaalath Party, which formed an alliance with the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party in
2008, the Islamic Ministry has unlimited access to state TV and radio, and an annual budget of 16 million US dollars.
We are concerned that the Islamic ministry is using these resources to campaign against human rights and to spread hatred and
intolerance. Here’s a glimpse of its handiwork:
The Islamic ministry’s new Religious Unity Regulation, currently awaiting implementation, would make it illegal to promote
personal views on religious matters, including views expressed on blogs and websites; prohibit advertisements contrary to “Islamic
codes of conduct”; and give the ministry power to order relevant authorities to deport foreigners it suspects of preaching other religions
and deport foreigners it suspects of propagating any beliefs that contravene Sunni Islam.
Last year, the religious NGO Jamiyathul Salaf brought preacher Bilal Philips, with the blessing of the Islamic ministry, who told
Maldivians on live television that it was alright to marry off girls who had had their menarche, even if they were only nine years old.
In an episode of the Islamic ministry’s daily TV show Thedhu Magu (The Righteous Path), the Minister Abdul Majeed Bari
categorically stated that Islam required girls to help in domestic chores because “a woman’s role is that of a mother”. The minister and
his colleagues at the Adhaalath Party have continuously opposed the appointment of female judges and said it was un‐Islamic for
women to become heads of states.
The Islamic Ministry granted a preaching license to the radical cleric Ibrahim Fareed, who has repeatedly told congregations that
more women than men will go to hell because women sin more.
Click here to read more>>
12 May 2010
Dear Sir/Madam,
In two days, the UN will elect four members to represent Asia in its Human Rights Commission. The Maldives, as one of the candidates,
is widely expected to gain a seat since only four member states are running for the four seats. But is the Maldives ready for a human
rights position at the international stage?
Here in the Maldives, human rights activists and civil society groups have been raising concerns about the threat to freedom of
expression, gender equality and child rights from a sustained campaign being waged largely by the government’s Ministry of Islamic
Affairs.
Headed by leaders of the religious right wing Adhaalath Party, which formed an alliance with the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party in
2008, the Islamic Ministry has unlimited access to state TV and radio, and an annual budget of 16 million US dollars.
We are concerned that the Islamic ministry is using these resources to campaign against human rights and to spread hatred and
intolerance. Here’s a glimpse of its handiwork:
The Islamic ministry’s new Religious Unity Regulation, currently awaiting implementation, would make it illegal to promote
personal views on religious matters, including views expressed on blogs and websites; prohibit advertisements contrary to “Islamic
codes of conduct”; and give the ministry power to order relevant authorities to deport foreigners it suspects of preaching other religions
and deport foreigners it suspects of propagating any beliefs that contravene Sunni Islam.
Last year, the religious NGO Jamiyathul Salaf brought preacher Bilal Philips, with the blessing of the Islamic ministry, who told
Maldivians on live television that it was alright to marry off girls who had had their menarche, even if they were only nine years old.
In an episode of the Islamic ministry’s daily TV show Thedhu Magu (The Righteous Path), the Minister Abdul Majeed Bari
categorically stated that Islam required girls to help in domestic chores because “a woman’s role is that of a mother”. The minister and
his colleagues at the Adhaalath Party have continuously opposed the appointment of female judges and said it was un‐Islamic for
women to become heads of states.
The Islamic Ministry granted a preaching license to the radical cleric Ibrahim Fareed, who has repeatedly told congregations that
more women than men will go to hell because women sin more.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Mohamed "Anni" Nasheed
President since 11 November 2008
President since 11 November 2008
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Dr. Mohammed Waheed Hassan Maniku
Vice President since 11 November 2008
Vice President since 11 November 2008
