Gov't reiterates commitment to uphold rights and freedom of peaceful assembly

The government of Maldives has reiterated its commitment to uphold the rights and freedom of peaceful assembly, preserved in the country’s constitution.

In a statement to acknowledge public concerns regarding the government’s decision to impose “temporary” restrictions on public gatherings, the government revealed that regulations on peaceful assembly “are in line with current domestic and international legislations”.

As such, at a time the country is under a State of Public Health Emergency, the number of gatherings and rallies being staged of recent, have seen a surge.

In light of this, the government stated that some have expressed their belief that the need to acquire permission from the Maldives Police Service (MPS) before staging peaceful protests is an unconstitutional restriction on the freedom of assembly.

This applies to the government designating specific regions to stage protests as well, the public has stressed.

With the partial easing of restrictive measures on movements due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged to maintain social distancing and limit gatherings to less than 30 people as a precautionary measure against the spread of the virus.

Further, the national authorities have been “largely successful” in containing the spread of the virus with the “unwavering support” of the public as well as keeping case numbers surfacing on a daily basis, within the capacity of the healthcare system.

In light of maintaining these successes, the government has reminded the groups engaging in peaceful protests to abide by the guidelines provided by the HPA while exercising their fundamental rights.

The statement goes on to read that the government “acknowledges and welcomes” the major issues facing expatriate workers in the country, who have “long endured unjust treatment” and have been victimized by such issues that succeeding government have been ineffective in resolving.

Significant reform is required to reimburse these losses, said the government.

In light of this, the government is working alongside relevant stakeholders to resolve these issues “amicably and systematically”.

Stressing that the incidents of the past few days where individuals have resorted to violence have been “deeply alarming”, the authorities noted that this will “not be further tolerated”.

At a time the government has welcomes the statements of concern, the authorities also shed light on the progress that has been observed over the past years;

In conclusion, the government reiterated its commitment to remain dedicated to democratic reform, good governance and human rights.

The government will continue working with national and international partners with sincerity, to resolve the “many systematic challenges” facing Maldives.