Home Minister Azleen Ahmed has said that no individual can safeguard the dignity of another without protecting their reputation first. The Minister made the remark, at the ceremony held by Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) to mark the International Human Rights Day.
In his speech, the Home Minister said the government’s aim is to guarantee and uphold human rights of the citizens. Minister Azleen said that in the past there were numerous difficulties to ensure the human rights of the citizens are guaranteed. However, according to the Minister, the changes brought to the laws and regulations have made significant progresses in upholding the human rights in Maldives.
Minister Azleen said the recently passed Defamation Bill and the amendments brought to laws and regulations regarding the Freedom of Speech and Expression have assisted in achieving the goals set by the current administration. He also called on the media to follow the basic principles of guaranteeing the legitimacy of a story before broadcasting or publishing.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of HRCM, Aminath Enas noted the changes brought to ensure human rights in Maldives and applauded the assistance and cooperation given to the commission by the government.
Human Rights Day is observed every year on the 10th of December. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423, inviting all States and interested organizations to observe 10th December of each year as Human Rights Day.
This year, Human Rights Day calls on everyone to stand up for someone's rights.