Enhancing response capacity of law enforcement agencies is pivotal to protect human rights: minister

Strengthening institutional governance and the response capacity of law enforcement agencies is pivotal to protect human rights, says Minister of Home Affairs, Sheikh Imran Abdulla.

The minister made this remark in his address to the Review of Maldives session in the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, virtually on Wednesday evening.

He presented an intervention on reforming law enforcement agencies and freedom of expression and association at the 26th session of the UPR Working Group.

In his address, the home minister noted that the strategic plan of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) was established with a “renewed” mission to deliver concerted, reliable and human-rights-centered policing services to the people.

Further noting that the incumbent Maldivian government recognizes the “true value” of fundamental freedom of expression, assembly and association guaranteed under the Maldives constitution, which enhances the rule of law as well as empowering citizens and promoting institutional responsibility.

Stressing on the importance of free media to ensure freedom of expression, the minister highlighted that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had ratified the act repealing the draconian Anti-Defamation Act enacted by the previous administration during 2016, within days of assuming presidential duties.

He went on to shed light on the important role civil society and NGOs play in the country’s development, which the incumbent government recognizes and has taken recommendations from, to formulate the Strategic Action Plan for Solih’s tenure.

Maldives also believes in the significance of rights being exercised responsibly and within the stipulated legal ambits in respectful manners.

Highlighting that the police institute remains committed to protect the rights and safety of everyone within its jurisdiction, Imran noted that the institutions remains vigilant in countering threats toward human rights advocates and journalists, on social media platforms and in person.

However, there are challenges due to a lack of an inclusive cybercrime legal framework and hindrances in gathering evidence, which impacts the effectiveness of police work in these areas. Imran added that the government remains hopeful that the Cybercrime Prevention Bill and the overhauled Evidence Legislation will aid to resolve these gaps.

Also highlighting on the need to direct strengthened efforts to reform prison conditions, rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders as productive individuals of the society, the home minister revealed that the government aims to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the Prison and Parole Act, to afford legislative clarity to the rights and privileges of detainees, ensure operational ease, and enhance oversight functions within the system.

Imran highlighted the Maldives also recently introduced a translation of the Nelson Mandela Rules in Dhivehi language, with the purpose to train and sensitize officers to the rules, and ensure that by 2021, all detention facilities are operated by “Nelson-Mandela-Rules-certified” officers.

In conclusion the minister noted that the government of Maldives is committed to ensure that Maldivians are able to enjoy every aspect of life, exercise their rights “without fear” of reprisal in a country that “respects”, “promotes” and “strives to uphold human rights” and “fundamental freedoms”.

The Maldives delegation that joined the UPR session comprised of the home minister, Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi alongside the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Asim Ahmed and senior officials of the President’s Office, Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.