Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has emphasised on the democratic change Maldives is presently going through, with the new administration having assumed office on November 17, 2018.
Addressing the High Level Segment of the 40th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the foreign minister said the Maldivian people has said ‘’no to authoritarianism, and yes to democratic values, yes to fundamental human rights and yes to freedom of assembly and expression.”
While speaking at the council, Minister Shahid highlighted on the vision of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to bring transformative change to the Maldivian society where respect for human rights is a way of life. He also highlighted on the rights enshrined by different laws and reiterated the commitment to bring in positive change.
Minister Shahid mentioned one of his last acts ending his 25 year career as a member of parliament was to annul the draconian Anti- Defamation Act, which was brought in by the previous administration. The minister further noted during the last five years, a journalist, Yameen Rasheed was brutally murdered, and another, Ahmed Rilwan disappeared. To bring the perpetrators to justice, President Solih has established the Commission on the Investigation of Murders and Disappearances to scrutinise allegations of murder and involuntary disappearances, the foreign minister highlighted.
In his statement, Minister Shahid also spoke about climate change and its adverse impacts on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In this regard, he stated it is a violation basic human rights and reassured the international community of Maldives ongoing engagement on the issue. He also highlighted on the ongoing violation of human rights in Myanmar and called for the recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
In concluding his statement, Minister Shahid reiterated the strong commitment of Maldives in sustaining democracy and in the promotion and protection of human rights.