Human rights situation not at all satisfactory in the Maldives: Saleem

Ahmed Saleem, former President of the Human Rights of the Maldives has said that despite the realization of democracy in the Maldivian political life, the situation as to fundamental rights of the people is not at all satisfactory.

Speaking to Sun, on the occasion of International Democracy Day, Saleem said that sufficient efforts had not been made in order to protect fundamental human rights of the people.

“We have democracy now. However, I am not at all happy with the situation with regards to human rights. There is no country in the world where human rights situation is perfect. However, constructive and meaningful efforts should be made to better the condition”, said Saleem who had served at high offices during the presidency of Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom.

Saleem said that Article 18 of the Maldives Constitution made it incumbent upon the government to protect the fundamental rights of the people. However, “the government has been negligent in fulfilling that constitutional duty” according to Saleem.

“The government has been negligent in trying to secure the rights of the people. It has failed to fulfill its responsibilities, and the work that needs to be done has not been done”, said Saleem. He also noted that the Human Rights Commission, which is to act as a watchdog on the situation of human rights, has not been as active as it should.

“It is the Human Rights Commission which should, according to their legal obligations, act as a guardian of human rights and as a watchdog that should work in order to hold the government accountable. However, I fail to see that the Commission has been as active as it should be”, said Saleem.

Saleem said that in order to protect the rights of the people through compliance in making new laws, the Members of Parliament should be well-versed in the fundamental rights of the people. He also said that the courts can protect the rights of the people only if the Judges in courts are well aware of the principles of human rights.

“If the People’s Majlis, the Courts or Judges, and the Government are not effective in fulfilling their obligations to protect fundamental rights, the Human Rights Commission, as an independent body established to protect those rights, has a huge responsibility to criticize the said organs and create awareness about the situation among the people”, said Saleem.

Many have criticized the Human Rights Commission saying that the body has failed to be an effective guardian/watchdog of human rights in the Maldives.