President of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) Mariyam Muna has called to ensure a safe, independent, and just environment for everyone. She made the remarks in the national address commemorating Human Rights Day celebrated internationally.
In the address delivered, Muna highlighted that human rights are the rights of everyone as a human being, disregarding nationality, gender, color, religion, or language. She added the opportunity to live in a just environment with freedom and dignity is a fundamental right of everyone. She also mentioned efforts are underway to ensure all the rights and protections everyone deserves under the laws, regulations, and international treaties.
Noting women play the most important role in the development of the country, Muna said HRCM attaches great importance to identifying and eliminating discrimination against women and violations of their rights. She said more efforts are being exerted to ensure children are growing up in a safe, secure, and appropriate environment, as the development of the children ensures a bright future for the country.
Furthermore, Muna said as part of the efforts of HRCM to ensure and protect children's rights, the commission has conducted a campaign to raise awareness of human rights and children's rights and to raise public awareness of child abuse. In addition, she said special efforts have been made this year to visit childcare centers in the Maldives to ensure the rights of children in state custody. She also highlighted the rights of expatriates working in the Maldives. As such, she noted efforts are underway to make amends to existing regulations.
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December, the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.