Human Rights Day felicitations extended by Gayoom

12 December 2007
Report: Ayya

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day has extended warm greetings and felicitations of the occasion to all Maldivians, the members of the Human Rights Commission and the international community. President in a special message to the nation said that it was Islam that brought the world the message of equal humanity, worth and dignity of men and women regardless of race, color or nationality. Prophet Mohamed showed through his example how we can build bridges and dialogue with faiths and creeds based on our common humanity and respect for each other said the President in his message.

President Gayoom reiterated the commitment to promote the Declarations ideals and principles of justice and equality for everyone and expressed confidence that international partners including the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, would continue to provide their support and guidance.

A number of concrete steps over the last year have clearly demonstrated the Government commitment to the promotion and protection of Human Rights said the President. “Maldives is now party to 8 out of the 9 Human Rights Conventions. In September of this year we signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We are also working with our international partners to ensure that adequate attention is given to ensure the right to a safe and secure environment, protected from the disastrous consequences of climate change, for all” said the President in his message.

President Gayoom speaking on the reform agenda said that it has achieved significant development with the cooperation of all concerned. President noted major achievements in the drafting of the new constitution. President said the new constitution draws on the human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with our Islamic faith and heritage as well as our international obligations. “The new constitution will pave the way for enshrining political, civil, economic and social rights for all Maldivians. It is therefore vital that our law-makers have the understanding and wisdom to bring in the required legislative measures in line with international human rights standards” said President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
President extended warm greetings to the members of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives and noted the Commission’s growth over the past year. President said that “with their continued efforts and commitment we are seeing increased awareness of human rights throughout the country”. “I would like to take this opportunity to wish them well in their new role as the National Preventative Mechanism against torture. It is only through continued partnership, advocacy and engagement with international and national stakeholders that we can hope to address the remaining challenges in our journey together” said President Gayoom.

Preisent Gayoom said that he firmly believed that rights and responsibilities cannot be separated and it is therefore imperative that while reforms are coming rapidly to our country, the freedoms and rights that are being ensured be balanced with maturity and responsibility. President said that it is only with the maturity and responsibility and not trespassing on the rights of others and by ensuring a peaceful and stable transition that we will achieve a truly democratic, free and just society.

“I call upon all Government Agencies, political parties, civil society, the private sector and members of the public to join hands in our work for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Maldives” said President Gayoom in his message.