The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) have separately issued admonitions to the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to desist from actions that could potentially harm children, underscoring that such actions do not fall under the purview of freedom of expression.
In an official statement, the HRCM censured the utilisation of harmful and abusive language directed at a child during an anti-government demonstration organised by the MDP. The MDP has been orchestrating anti-government rallies in the capital, Malé, since 7 March.
The incident in question transpired on 12 March when a member of the MDP employed harmful and abusive language towards a child while speaking during the demonstration. In response, the HRCM called upon the relevant authorities to take measures to prevent the use of language that could adversely affect children.
The human rights watchdog, in its statement, highlighted its vigilant monitoring of the MDP-led demonstrations. The commission also condemned, in the strongest terms, the use of harmful and abusive language towards a child during the MDP protest, categorising it as an act that does not constitute freedom of expression. Reiterating that children are safeguarded under the Constitution and the Child Rights Protection Act, the HRCM underscored that any actions that directly or indirectly affect the dignity and honour of children must be avoided by all parties and individuals.
The HRCM also identified additional issues observed during the anti-government rallies. It noted confrontations between protesters and police officers, resulting in injuries to some demonstrators. The commission also cited instances where demonstrators, equipped with megaphones, attempted to breach the green zone in Malé, encompassing the President’s Office, Parliament building, and government offices. Security forces had erected barricades to preclude access by the demonstrators.
The HRCM urged the MDP to desist from obstructing roads and to plan demonstrations in a manner that does not impede traffic. Citing the right of peaceful assembly, the commission stated that this right must be exercised responsibly and called on all parties to respect the rights of others.
The HRCM also urged the government and law enforcement agencies to facilitate the exercise of the right to hold anti-government demonstrations, in line with the constitutional rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. The commission also exhorted the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to adhere to established rules and guidelines on the use of force, even if force becomes necessary to halt demonstrations. The human rights watchdog also called on the police to permit journalists and news reporters to fulfil their duties in covering the anti-government demonstrations.
The HRCM’s statement coincides with a parallel statement issued by the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM), which also addressed the use of harmful and abusive language towards a child at the MDP demonstration. In its statement, the ECM called on the organisers of the demonstration to ensure that events are conducted in accordance with constitutional rights and relevant laws. The ECM condemned, in the strongest terms, the use of harmful and abusive language towards a child during the MDP demonstration on 12 March.
The ECM reminded political parties that they are allowed to conduct political activities under the Political Parties Act, within the boundaries and limits enshrined in the Constitution and relevant legislation. The ECM urged the MDP to ensure that their political activities adhere to the Political Parties Act, the Constitution, and other relevant legislation.
Calling on the MDP to abide by the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act when conducting political activities and anti-government rallies, the ECM urged the party to ensure that its members adhere to the Child Rights Protection Act, refraining from using harmful or abusive language towards children and making unsubstantiated allegations or disparaging remarks about individuals.
The ECM also warned that such actions against children could negatively impact their dignity, honour, and mental health and condemned any such actions. The ECM also urged all political parties to adhere to the code of conduct outlined in the Political Parties Act, refrain from actions that could foment strife within the community, and avoid infringing on the rights of individuals or making unsubstantiated allegations. The ECM concluded its statement by affirming its commitment to welcoming all political activities conducted within the boundaries of laws and regulations.
