The government remains committed to uphold and promote human rights without discrimination, in the recovery and resilience efforts against the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
In his address in commemoration of the International Human Rights Day, celebrated on December 10, the president stated that the government will uphold human rights without favor, in Covid-19 recovery efforts.
Highlighting that his administration will prioritize equitable treatment for all, Solih assured that the dignity and rights of everyone residing in the Maldives will be upheld, from citizens, to expatriates, to tourists, when recovery efforts are underway.
Stressing that the International Human Rights Day falls amid a global pandemic this year, the president highlighted that the basic rights of many across the globe have been “adversely impacted” in the face of the pandemic.
As such, basic rights of many have been affected due to the coronavirus outbreak, this year, despite the island nation’s “significant” progress in human rights since Solih assumed office in November 2018.
Some of the noticeable progress includes strengthening rights of women and children, enhanced policies and legislation, improved education and healthcare accessibility as well as protecting the freedom of expression and political activity.
The president’s remarks regarding the difficulties and struggles facing the Maldives population in light of the pandemic comes at a time several individuals have been laid off or put on no-pay leave for extended periods and many continue to struggle to acquire an adequate income to support their families.
Some have also had their travel restricted as part of the necessary measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus, in light of which the president assured fair treatment for all, including tourists.
Further, Solih urged the international community to prioritize respecting basic human rights without favor or discrimination, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
As such, non-discriminatory principles must be extended to bilateral relations as well, said the president, who shed light on the country’s hopes for the quick accessibility of a viable vaccine, which have been renewed.
The president added that communities across the globe seek assurance that they will not be overlooked in being able to meet their immediate health needs when recovering from the pandemic.
In addition, Solih encouraged the public and civil society to put in their best efforts to protect and promote human rights, reiterating the government’s full support to said efforts.
This comes at time the government has also assured that major issues facing expatriate workers in the country who have “long endured unjust treatment”, are acknowledged and welcomed. The previous government was ineffective in resolving the many issues of expatriate victimization and other such issues within the country.
Committed to remain dedicated to democratic reform, good governance and human rights, the incumbent administration has achieved a lot of progress over the past two years, including the initiation of an extensive legislative reform agenda, the ratification of long delayed international human rights conventions, lifting restrictions on foreign journalists as well as decriminalizing defamation.
