Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, on Tuesday, expressed concern that the narratives and initiatives of certain non-profit organisations, were encouraging the violation of the law, claiming they posed a threat to national security.
According to the ministry, these NGO movements are being conducted outside of the powers that are granted under the freedom of assembly.
Can u pls point out the names of the NGOs u are accusing of disrupting public order & national security & specify exactly what they have done? This is a serious allegation & we need an answer.
— SHUNA 🇲🇻 (@ShunanaMariyam) July 14, 2020
Pls do not post an ambiguous statement on social media impliedly accusing all NGOs. https://t.co/4mV6tZ2Vmp
In a statement publicised on Twitter, the ministry requested all registered NGOs to refrain from encouraging initiatives that may jeopardize national security and public harmony.
However, the ministry’s statement welcomed initiatives that utilise the freedom of speech and freedom of assembly to improve societal issues.
According to Youth Ministry, pointing out areas for improvement and holding the authorities accountable was important in building a reformed democratic society.
2016 ge decision thah ves mihaaru ragalhu vejje. Verikan hoadhan ulhey iru hurihaa kameh ves goas vaane. Verikan libuneema eyru dhekki vaahaka thah handhaaneh nuhunnaane. QAge 32 vana maahdhaage vaahaka enme gadhayah dhekki meehunnah miadhu evaahaka thah ves handhaaneh neh. https://t.co/3Ow4MMpi2L pic.twitter.com/SqriBoVe9A
— Ahmed Usham (@a_usham) July 14, 2020
This statement was publicised at a time when the state had come under fire for the mistreatment of exploited migrant workers and failure to deliver justice for the victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault.
Despite the ongoing health crisis, expatriates and advocates against sex crimes recently staged various demonstrations in the Greater Malé area, the former demanding for their salary payments and basic human rights while the latter demanded the government to arrest rapists and ensure justice.
Modern-day slavery, exploitation & human trafficking are the real threats to national security.
— Maumoon Hameed (@maanhameed) July 14, 2020
Authorities should be facilitating NGOs trying to help victims of slavery, exploitation & human trafficking, not obstructing, harassing or intimidating them. https://t.co/M1v4uGTbs9
However, The Edition has confirmed with many of the individuals, that they were present as activists and were therefore not representing the position of their respective civil society organizations.
Moreover, the most vocal advocates of migrant worker rights, left-wing political movement Navaanavai, is not an NGO.
The incumbent administration's failure to meet the demands reiterated by various penalised parties have resulted in harsh, ongoing criticism of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, government authorities and institutions, as well as ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Sign In
