Government will uphold human rights without discrimination in its recovery efforts: President

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih declared, on Thursday, that the Government will prioritize upholding and promoting human rights without favour or discrimination as part of its resilience and recovery efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic.

He made this statement while speaking to commemorate the 2020 International Human Rights Day, celebrated every year on December 10.

The President expressed that this year’s international human rights day falls in the midst of a global pandemic, which has adversely impacted the basic rights of many across the globe.

He added that despite the Maldives’ significant progress in human rights since this administration was sworn in, including through policies and legislation strengthening the rights of women and children, improving education and healthcare accessibility, and protecting free expression and political activity, this year has witnessed many basic rights being affected because of the pandemic.

President Solih noted that many have struggled to receive an adequate income or keep their employment, and have had their travel restricted, as part of necessary measures imposed to contain the virus.

Nonetheless, he emphasized that the government would prioritize equitable treatment for all and upholding the dignity and rights of everyone residing in the Maldives, from citizens to expatriates to tourists, as part of its efforts to recover from the virus.

The President also emphasized that despite the challenges of the pandemic, the international community must prioritize respecting basic human rights without favour or discrimination.

He highlighted that non-discriminatory principles must extend to bilateral relations as well, especially as hopes for the quick availability of a viable vaccine are renewed, and communities across the globe want assurance that they will not be overlooked in terms of being able to meet their immediate health needs with respect to recovering from the pandemic.

Ending his remarks, President Solih encouraged the public and civil society to do their utmost to protect and promote human rights, while reiterating that the government will provide full support to these efforts.

He offered his prayers for God to bless ongoing national efforts to strengthen human rights and recover from the pandemic.