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UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism to conduct debriefing session with the Government of Maldives

24 May 2022

The Government of Maldives will partake in a debriefing session tomorrow, in conclusion of the visit to the Maldives, scheduled from 15-24 May 2022, by Ms. Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. The session will be hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During her visit, the Government facilitated meetings for the SR with 22 relevant stakeholders, including senior officials from Government Ministries and Departments, as well as independent institutions and commissions; and also arranged unhindered access to detention facilities, including prisons.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration assumed office in 2018 with a pledge to restore rule of law, and to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Government has since continuously reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the fundamental values of human rights, and prioritised the countering of terrorism and violent extremism. On this front the Government has achieved significant developments in terms of acknowledging the growing threat of terrorism in Maldives, formulating a whole of government strategy to counter terrorism and enhancing operational capacity. Most importantly, this administration has spearheaded key legislative amendments to strengthen the legal framework in this area, and to align the necessary domestic laws to international best practice and the dynamics of the threat environment. Implementation of the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism is also a key focus of the administration.

Henceforth, the Government of Maldives stands ready to welcome the recommendations by the Special Rapporteur which she will present upon the conclusion of her visit tomorrow. The Government is confident that the recommendations will support the strengthening of existing mechanisms in Maldives to further ensure institutional accountability and security, as well as instill additional safeguards to prevent any potential violations of human rights.

Upon the submission of the Special Rapporteur's report, the Maldives will endeavour to deliver on the recommendations and respond to any further queries by the Special Rapporteur's team and other UN bodies, in tandem with the support and assistance from international partners. The Government of Maldives expresses gratitude to the Special Rapporteur and her team for undertaking this visit to the Maldives and for the constructive engagement with State institutions.