Maldives Sees Decline in Riotous Protests and Criminal Activity

In a welcome shift, the Maldives has witnessed a significant reduction in protest-related violence and property destruction, as well as a decrease in injuries to opponents and participants alike.

Leadership and Governance

The Maldives has made significant strides towards democracy, with the opposition’s 2018 presidential win seen as a major step forward. The new government has demonstrated a greater commitment to combating organized crime and corruption, introducing anti-corruption reforms and strengthening oversight mechanisms.

• Key initiatives:
  • Introducing anti-corruption reforms
  • Strengthening oversight mechanisms
  • Ratifying major treaties related to organized crime

Criminal Justice and Security

The Maldivian judiciary faces significant challenges in providing access to justice and the rule of law. However, there are efforts underway to strengthen legislation and address corruption within the system.

• Key initiatives:
  • Strengthening legislation
  • Addressing corruption within the judiciary
  • Improving conditions in the prison system through UNODC-facilitated training

Law enforcement agencies continue to struggle with public trust issues and high levels of corruption, but there are signs of a political willingness to address these challenges.

Economic and Financial Environment

The Maldivian private sector faces significant barriers, including limited access to credit, difficulties in registering properties, and weak minority-investor protections. Monopolistic tendencies and high levels of control by a small group of ultra-wealthy resort owners also hinder economic opportunities.

• Key challenges:
  • Limited access to credit
  • Difficulties in registering properties
  • Weak minority-investor protections
  • Monopolistic tendencies

However, anti-money laundering measures have been strengthened, with the Financial Intelligence Unit and Bank of Maldives subject to increased scrutiny.

Civil Society and Social Protection

The Maldivian civil society sector is active, but its relationship with the state remains strained. A community-policing initiative was launched in 2018, assigning neighborhood-support officers in key areas.

• Key initiatives:
  • Community-policing initiative
  • Assigning neighborhood-support officers

Journalists continue to play a critical role in discussing organized crime and corruption, despite facing threats from gang members. Improvements to the media environment have been made since the new administration took office.

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