The Government of the Maldives has reiterated its commitment to uphold the informal moratorium set on the death penalty.
The statement was made by Attorney General (AG) Ibrahim Riffath, during the review of the Maldives at the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), where human rights obligations and responsibilities of the United Nations (UN) member states are evaluated. The UPR is conducted every four years, and the Maldives was reviewed in the first cycle in 2010 and in the second cycle in 2015. The Maldives delegation at the third cycle of the UPR is led by AG Riffath, and includes several ministers of the cabinet.
Speaking at the UPR, AG Riffath said this UPR is special for the people and the Government of the Maldives, noting the Maldives values the UPR process, where countries big or small, rich or poor, are equally assessed. He noted the participation of cabinet ministers and senior officials from the government in the UPR delegation, is testament to the importance the Maldives places on the UPR cycle.
The Attorney General highlighted the majority of the reporting period was unfortunately a time when the Maldives shielded away from democratic norms and experienced unprecedented levels of deterioration of respect for human rights. However, he noted the government led by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has made significant strides in re-establishing democratic values and protecting human rights.
Speaking on the human rights conventions and treaties signed by the government, AG Riffath noted the Maldives has ratified seven core human rights conventions and, in the past year, withdrawn several reservations to Article 16 of the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. He added the Maldives has also ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and submitted a Declaration under Article 22 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. He added the government has received parliamentary approval for ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, as well as the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Speaking further, the Attorney General reiterated the commitment of the Maldivian government to uphold the informal moratorium on the death penalty. He noted judicial reform and enhancing legislative mechanisms relating to the criminal justice system takes precedence over resuming executions. He also assured the international community that the current government does not support, endorse or will, in any manner entertain, the vile act of female genital mutilation.
The Attorney General also highlighted the establishment of the Presidential Commission on Investigation of Murders and Enforced Disappearances to investigate deaths under suspicious circumstances and inexplicable disappearances. He noted the investigation into the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan is nearing completion, adding the government has sought foreign expertise to aid these investigations. He further highlighted the establishment of the Presidential Commission on Corruption and Asset Recovery to investigate the misuse of state funds, as well as the establishment of Presidential Committees to conduct an inquiry on unfair dismissals and to investigate corruption pertaining to social housing awards.
Furthermore, AG Riffath noted the government has submitted a Transitional Justice Bill to the Parliament, which envisages the establishment of an Ombudsperson’s Office to investigate abuse of authority and violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In his remarks, the Attorney General noted the government has successfully achieved 83% of its 100-day pledges within its time frame. He added the government has launched an extensive and comprehensive 5-year Strategic Action Plan which includes policy goals in the areas of Blue Economy, Caring State, Dignified Families, Good Governance and Island Lifestyle. He also noted the government has led by example as all political appointees in the government, the president as well as the members of the cabinet declared their assets to the public for the first time in the Maldives.
Furthermore, AG Riffath stated the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has hindered the progress of the nation. He noted whilst the country took unprecedented steps such as the imposition of a lockdown, the government ensured that its adverse impacts on human rights were minimised. He added the Government of the Maldives remains determined in its commitment to ensure that the Maldivian people live in a safe environment, in a rights-based society enjoying freedom and dignity.