Amnesty International has stated the change of government in Maldives presents a huge opportunity to break with the repression and human rights violations of the past and chart a fresh course where human rights are at the heart of the policies and action of the new government.
In this regard, Deputy South Asia Director at Amnesty International, Dinushika Dissanayake expressed this is a golden opportunity for Maldives, adding the new government must break with the country's repressive past and put the protection of human rights at the heart of its policies and action.
Noting the joint opposition made several pledges in terms of human rights situation in the Maldives, Deputy South Asia Director at Amnesty International said now is the time to begin to translate those words into action, including releasing those people who were wrongly imprisoned, repealing repressive laws, and creating an environment conducive to full respect for human rights and where civil society can flourish.
Moreover, Dinushika Dissanayake stated the new Maldivian government must open the space for people to express themselves freely and without fear highlighting it must also amend or repeal the Anti-Defamation and Freedom of Expression Act, bringing it into line with international human rights standards.
Furthermore, Amnesty International revealed the right to freedom of peaceful assembly must be respected and protected at all times and that in the event of violence; the authorities should use only the force necessary and proportionate to address it.