President: Maldivian society must promote a culture of respect

President Abdulla Yamin Abdul Gayoom has said that the Maldivian society must learn to respect one another and work in collaboration to cultivate a culture of respect.

In the Presidential address on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, President Yamin said that the Maldivian society must learn to respect the rights of the individual citizens, community and state.

“I, therefore, urge national and international actors and institutions to work collaboratively to cultivate in the Maldivian society, a culture of respect; respect for the rights and responsibilities of the individual, of the society, and of the State, so that promoting human rights becomes part of daily life.” The President said.

President Abdulla Yamin said that while establishing structures and laws are important, they are not enough to protect human rights.

“While establishing formal structures and mechanisms are important, they are not sufficient conditions for the protection of rights. My Government’s approach to protecting human rights has been to empower the Maldivian people; by ensuring freedom from want by increasing prosperity; and creating opportunities for individuals to unleash the power of human creativity to solve problems. The Government’s approach to promoting human rights has also been guided by the belief that the rights and responsibilities espoused in the national and international legal instruments need to be enforced, and most, importantly cultivated in the society as values.” President Abdulla Yamin said.

The slogan for the 2015 International Human Rights Day is “Our Rights. Our Freedom. Always.”