exposing how a UN report on the Maldives’ human rights record masks systemic abuses including the absence of religious freedom, persecution of dissenters, discrimination against women, and ongoing practices such as female genital mutilation.
Mr. Chair,
Today we ask: Should the Council adopt this report on Maldives?
Reading its reviews, one might think the human rights record of Maldives is as pristine as its white sand beaches:
I quote:
- “Egypt appreciated the efforts of Maldives to protect human rights.”
- “China noted improvements by Maldives in protecting women.”
- “Cuba welcomed key laws on civil rights.”
- “Turkey commended Maldives for its progress.”
- “Pakistan appreciated progress toward development.”
- “Russia appreciated the efforts of Maldives to implement its international human rights obligations.”
- “Qatar valued the efforts of Maldives to empower women.”
- “Saudi Arabia welcomed the efforts of Maldives to empower women.”
Mr. Chair, of 104 statements in this report, no less than 92 praise the human rights record of Maldives.
Yet the truth is the opposite. The truth is that Maldives has no freedom of religion. Every citizen must be Sunni Muslim. Those of any other faith are barred from citizenship, from public life, and from openly practicing their beliefs. Those who leave Islam face legal punishment, persecution, and intimidation.
The truth is that journalists are subjected to restrictive laws and harassment. The new state-backed media commission has the power to punish media outlets, and even shut them down.
The truth is that women in Maldives are not equal under the law, and face violence and discrimination in key areas of life.
Courts in Maldives have convicted women for adultery, and sentenced them to death by stoning. The verdicts were overturned, but the system enables such punishments.
Female genital mutilation continues to target young girls, and Maldives has refused to criminalize it.
The truth is that elections have been tainted by credible allegations of vote-buying and abuse of state resources.
And so this report-built on baseless statements of praise by [fellow non-democracies] Egypt, China, Turkey, Russia, Qatar, Pakistan, and Cuba-serves not to uphold human rights, but to whitewash violations.
Mr. Chair, let me be clear: the victims of human rights in Maldives object to the adoption of this report. We object.
I thank you.
