UN Human Rights Council meeting not detrimental to Maldives: Dhunya

State Foreign Minister Dhunya Maumoon representing Maldives in the United Nations Human Rights Council has stressed that relaying Maldives' achievements in the International Convention of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is not detrimental to the country. In an interview with Haveeru after the meeting in Geneva yesterday, Dhunya detailed that a report entailing Maldives’ accomplishments under the convention had been submitted to the sit-down. Home Minister Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed had presented the report on behalf of the Maldives.
“The statement in general includes the various levels of successes under the accord. We detailed the challenges faced in achieving them including the laws passed in that regard. In addition we informed the relevant laws that still need to be passed as well,” she added.
Presenting the statement at the meeting the Home Minister had alleged that the articles obligated on the Maldives by the ICCPR had been stymied by former President Mohamed Nasheed’s government. Jameel had also highlighted to the Security Council the various unconstitutional acts against political rivals including the arrest and subsequent detention of Chief Criminal Judge Abdulla Mohamed during Nasheed’s tenure as President. In addition, Home Minister claimed that Nasheed’s administration had engaged in efforts to “intimidate” the justice system.
Some members at the committee had repeatedly inquired over the mandatory condition of being Muslim in order to be a Maldivian citizen, lashing and capital punishment.
“We will share that information in today’s hearing,” Dhunya said.
“In light of this meeting we will find out the areas we need improvement. Hence this is not something we should be ashamed of as this routine procedure.”
Maldives had signed the ICCPR back in 2006. But this would be the first time Maldives has reported to the Human Rights Committee on the progress made under the accord. Tweet Bookmark Print Badge the Comments! Give badges to the best comments you see! You will get four badges a day 2 Comments To have full access to the interactive features available in Haveeru Online please register or sign in. or Post a Comment More Loading comments... Please wait