A study has shown Maldivian youth feel disillusioned and turned to violent extremism as they are isolated from the community and are not provided a source of moral instruction from their homes. The statement was made by a report published on Youth Vulnerability Assessment in the Maldives launched by Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi, Resident Representative of UNDP Maldives Akiko Fujii and Director General of National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Zakariyya Mansoor.
The study was jointly conducted by NCTC and UNDP Maldives with the assistance from the Government of Japan. The study presents guidelines for stakeholder agencies to formulate policies and action plans.
The study showed 88% of youth respondents thought the government should spend more money on islands outside the capital, with fewer than a quarter believed their island could prosper without more government help. 69% of youth felt social isolation was a serious problem for young people, according to the study.
While 84% of the youth respondents believed women should work outside the home, many girls in particular noted difficulties in getting jobs due to socially constructed travel restrictions, while 70% of youth believed women should have a greater role in the government.
Speaking at the ceremony, Resident Representative of UNDP Maldives Akiko Fujii said young people remain the biggest hope in preventing violent extremist activities. She added significant investments need to be made for the political, economic and social empowerment, harnessing the creativity and energy of youth who may feel disenfranchised today.
The study was conducted in 28 islands with the participation from 177 individuals, according to NCTC.