President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has affirmed development without justice does not work, highlighting the efforts of his administration in implementing a transitional justice programme to redress human rights abuses, investigate murders and enforced disappearances and bring to book the endemic corruption maligning all levels of government.
Addressing the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Solih noted his administration is currently engaged in a comprehensive police reform programme, working closely with other institutions of state to reform and modernise the judicial system. The president expressed meaningful democracy is about involving citizens in the decision-making process, adding Maldives is working on legislation to decentralise the governance structures and devolve power to the local communities.
Highlighting relations with the international community was severed during the past administration, the president explained the steps taken by his administration to reaffirm old friendships long-neglected and commence new ones. He noted the process of re-joining the Commonwealth of Nations, adding the intention is to be a good international partner, to be part of a shared solution to the pressing issues, from climate change, to fighting the scourge of terrorism.
Speaking about Terrorism and violent extremism, President Solih said concerted global action is required to tackle the danger of these networks spilling over borders, adding the importance of intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training and best practice sharing, as well as reforming our financial system to starve terrorist networks of finance.
President Solih spoke at the UNGA held in New York on the eve of the first anniversary of his election win. He is the first Maldivian president to address the UNGA in the past 7 years.