The government has revealed the restrictions on public gatherings are temporary, adding it acknowledges concerns regarding the decision made at a time the country remains under a State of Public Health Emergency.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government highlighted some parties have expressed the view that the requirement to obtain prior permission from the Maldives Police Service (MPS) in order to gather for peaceful protest, and the designation of special protest areas are unconstitutional restrictions on freedom of assembly. In the statement, the government reiterated its commitment to upholding the rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution and noted the regulations on peaceful assembly are in line with current domestic and international legislation.
Furthermore, the government also noted the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has called on members of the public to observe social distancing and limit gatherings to less than 30 people in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 although restrictions placed on movements due to the pandemic have been partially eased. The statement further read the government would like to remind all those engaging in peaceful protest to abide by the guidelines of the HPA as they exercise their fundamental rights.
The government also acknowledged and welcomed the serious concerns expressed by several expatriate workers who have long endured unjust treatment and been victimised by festering issues that successive administrations have failed to resolve. The government said it accepts significant reform is required to redress these grievances and is working with all stakeholders to resolve these issues amicably and systematically. The statement said incidents over the last few days, where individuals have resorted to violence have been deeply alarming, and will not be further tolerated.
The government said it respects and welcomes the role of civil society organisations, who provide vibrant engagement on the most pressing issues in the community, requesting such organisations to abide by national regulations. While welcoming statements of concern, the government noted the progress made in lifting of restrictions on foreign journalists, ratification of long delayed international human rights conventions and the initiation of an extensive legislative reform agenda.
The government said it remained committed to democratic reform, good governance and human rights and continues to work with national and international partners to resolve the many systematic challenges the Maldives faces with sincerity.