Minister of Defence and National Security Adam Shareef Umar has inaugurated the formulation of the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Maldives. The National Action Plan was inaugurated at a meeting of the Counter Radicalisation Committee chaired by the Defence Minister. National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) is collaborating with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to formulate the National Action Plan.
At the meeting of the Counter Radicalisation Committee, Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar thanked member ministries and agencies of the Counter Radicalisation Committee for the contribution and participation in formulating the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. Defence Minister Adam Shareef also thanked UNDP for the extensive support to the Maldives in the efforts of preventing and countering violent extremism and for facilitating expert consultancy to assist in formulating the National Action Plan.
Moreover, Defence Minister emphasised the need for a National Action Plan and urged the ministries and agencies to contribute resources and capacity. President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Qayoom has directed preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism must be in line with the efforts of the United Nations and the United Nations Secretary General's Plan of Action, noted Minister Adam Shareef. He highlighted Maldives has been working very diligently to tackle the issue of violent extremism.
Counter Radicalisation Committee welcomes the initiative by NCTC and expects additional meetings to validate and finalise the action plan before implementation, Minister Adam Shareef also said, stressing on the importance of reducing redundancy and duplication and incorporating measures of success in the activities and design of the National Action Plan.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Shoko Noda noted Maldives has long been renowned for its beauty and peacefulness but recent developments from within a small segment of the society have marred the image. Long-held norms of respect and tolerance, which has been integral parts of the national identity of Maldives has been undermined, the Resident Coordinator said emphasising extremism and intolerance is learned attribute and that a concerted effort is necessary by all stakeholders. She also stressed on the importance of inter-agency coordination and further strengthening the national apparatus in terms of capacity and capability.
Furthermore, Regional Advisor on Governance and Peace Building Simon Finely delivered a presentation on the importance of formulating a National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. The Regional Advisor highlighted the international best practices and experience of other countries as well as international norms and conventions. In the presentation, he emphasised on close coordination and collaboration between agencies and integrating the whole of society into the course.