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UN rights expert praises Maldives for steps taken towards freedom of expression

UN rights expert praises Maldives for steps taken towards freedom of expression

Aerial view of Maldives (file photo)
An independent United Nations expert today welcomed measures taken by the new Government of the Maldives to establish democratic reforms, including on freedom of expression, in the Indian Ocean archipelago, which held its first-ever multi-party presidential elections last year.

“I congratulate the Government for the positive steps it has taken with regards to freedom of expression in this historic moment of transition toward democratic rule,” said Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Frank La Rue.

Speaking at the end of a five-day visit to the Maldives, Mr. La Rue noted that “the overall feeling from different sectors of society is very positive with regards to the democratic transition to a multi-party democracy after the enactment of the new Constitution and the peaceful conclusion of the first multi-party elections.”

The human rights expert highlighted the Government’s proposal to decentralize state institutions and public services throughout the islands, and made some preliminary recommendations to strengthen the transition effort.

“It is essential that the public are kept informed and consulted on the decisions being made by the Government, in order to allow active participation of citizens in the reform process,” he stressed.

“While public enterprises like TV Maldives and Voice of the Maldives reach out to over 90 per cent of the population and satisfy a needed public service, given their importance and in order to ensure objectivity, it is essential that the public broadcasting corporation be established by law as an independent state body,” he added.

Mr. La Rue encouraged Parliament to introduce anti-monopoly legislation, particularly in the area of communications, saying that “in the process of privatization of media enterprises a special effort should be made to ensure that the diversity and plurality of views and opinions are maintained.”

Special rapporteurs, who serve in an independent unpaid capacity, report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.