Maldives Fails to Address Corruption, Environmental Harm, and Human Rights Abuses

Introduction

A new report by human rights organizations has revealed that the government of the Maldives has failed to address widespread corruption, environmental harm, and human rights abuses despite promises to reform.

Corruption Runs Deep

• The Maldives is ranked 130 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, with a score indicating a high level of corruption.
• A transitional justice bill has been submitted to parliament, but no justice mechanism for investigating past instances of torture and other abuses is in place.
• Government ministers have bypassed environmental impact assessment requirements in pursuit of infrastructure projects.

Environmental Harm

• The Maldives is one of the most vulnerable countries to increased environmental impacts from climate change.
• Developers routinely gain approval for projects without adherence to environmental regulations or carrying out approved mitigation measures, causing long-term harm to communities.
• Increased flooding, loss of livelihoods, and destruction of vital ecosystems are some of the consequences.

Human Rights Abuses

• The Maldives is notorious for its poor human rights record, with hundreds of complaints of torture and ill-treatment filed with government commissions since the Anti-Torture Act was passed in 2013.
• None have led to the prosecution of officials or redress for victims.
• Cases of police violence are regularly dismissed for alleged lack of evidence.

Women’s Rights

• Gender-based violence is endemic in the Maldives, with rising Islamist extremism leading to increased harassment and attacks against women on social media and in public.
• Marginalized women and girls are disproportionately targeted for penalties under Islamic law.
• The nongovernmental organization Uthema reported that most victims of domestic violence decline to press charges.

International Pressure

• The international community has called on the Maldivian government to address its human rights abuses and corruption.
• In September, the Maldives signed a defense agreement with the United States to strengthen engagement in support of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean.
• During an October visit, the US secretary of state announced that the US would establish an embassy and resident ambassador in the Maldives for the first time.

Conclusion

The Maldives’ failure to address corruption, environmental harm, and human rights abuses is a major concern for the international community. The government’s failure to implement justice mechanisms for investigating past instances of torture and other abuses is a significant setback. The widespread impunity enjoyed by officials and perpetrators has led to a profound erosion of public confidence in the integrity and reliability of the police and judiciary.

The international community must continue to pressure the Maldivian government to address its human rights abuses and corruption, and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.