The Government of Maldives has appeared for its review before the United Nations Committee Against Torture. The review at the treaty body that oversees state compliance with the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, and Degrading Treatment or Punishment is scheduled for November 27 and 28.
The 9-member delegation is led by Minister at the President's Office Ahmed Naseem, who is accompanied by Assistant Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen. The appearance before the committee presents the first serious opportunity to show the international community that the Maldives will again abide by its obligations under international law.
In previewing government's presentation, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said while constitutional protections and laws regarding torture have been improving, there has been a dramatic gap between these often illusory commitments and their implementation in practice, most especially over the last five years, adding the Committee Against Torture will see how seriously the government commits and welcome constructive engagement and recommendations.
In commenting on his delegation's appearance before the committee, Minister Naseem observed it is important to recall the government is going to be questioned about a report that was submitted by the prior government. More importantly, the government's resolve to end torture will also be shown by making a number of specific, substantive, and meaningful new commitments to the people and to the committee, even before the dialogue begins.
The government welcomes its forthcoming engagement with the committee against torture.