The people of Maldives have elected democracy into office: Minister Shahid

On 23rd September 2018, the people of the Maldives elected democracy into office, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.

The Foreign Minister said this on Monday in his address at the High-Level Segment of the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council.

In his address, Minister Shahid emphasised the democratic change the Maldives is going through, after the new government assumed office on 17th November 2018.

Minister Shahid said that the Maldivian people have said no to authoritarianism and yes to democratic values, fundamental human rights, and freedom of assembly and expression.

He highlighted 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.

“One of my last acts ending my 25-year career as a member of parliament was to annul the draconian Anti- Defamation Act, which was brought in by the previous government. During the last five years, a journalist Mr. Yameen Rasheed was brutally murdered, and another Mr. 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.’’

Minister Shahid also spoke about climate change and its impact on Small Island Developing States. He said that it is a violation basic human rights and reassured the international community of the Maldives ongoing engagement on this issue.

He also noted 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 Maldives strong commitment in sustaining democracy and in the promotion and protection of human rights.