Attorney General of the Maldives Ahmed Usham has stated that the religion of Islam is a principle that cannot be changed in Maldivian society. He made this statement at the review meeting of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Attorney General Usham led the Maldivian delegation to Geneva, Switzerland, for the review held by the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) from July 9 to July 10. The Maldives submitted its second periodic report of the ICCPR to the UN in March 2022.
During the review, the Attorney General emphasised that Islam is one of the foundations of Maldivian citizenship and that no changes would be permitted to this principle. He also highlighted the current administration's efforts to strengthen the administrative system and legal framework. Usham noted that Maldivians will enjoy civil and political rights in accordance with the country’s constitution and Islamic principles.
The UNHRC will share a report on the findings and recommendations, based on the information provided by the Maldives during the review, with the Maldivian government on July 19, 2024.
The Maldivian delegation, which attended the review in two sessions, included representatives from the President’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Department of Judicial Administration, and the Maldives Permanent Mission to the UN.