MALE (21 March 2024) – A UN expert today encouraged the Maldivian Government to strengthen efforts to foster inclusive governance and development in the country. During a 10-day visit to the Maldives, Livingstone Sewanyana, UN Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order examined core aspects related to his mandate, including international cooperation in the areas of peace and security, sustainable development, climate change and social protection. He also examined the situation of migrant workers, public participation of women, youth and other marginalised groups in decision-making processes, and the protection of civic space. Sewanyana commended the adoption of a social protection scheme and encouraged the adoption of further policies and measures to strengthen social welfare and reduce poverty, with particular attention to segments of society in situations of risk and vulnerability, including women, youth and migrant workers. “Upholding the rights and dignity of migrant workers is a fundamental component of inclusive governance,” the expert said. “I strongly recommend that the Government enhances efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for protecting their rights.” Sewanyana welcomed measures towards social infrastructure investment and diversification of the economy. He also reiterated the need to safeguard civic space which is the cornerstone of democracy and good governance. “Moving forward, protecting and expanding civic freedoms will be crucial to foster an environment where diverse perspectives can flourish,” the expert said. Sewanyana also acknowledged the Government’s efforts to formulate national policies and its international engagement and cooperation to combat climate change and its effects. During his visit, the expert met with Government officials, members of Parliament, representatives of civil society organisations and academics. Sewanyana will present a report on his visit, including key recommendations, to the Human Rights Council in September 2024. Please see here for the Independent Expert’s full statement in Dhivehi. Mr. Livingstone Sewanyana is the Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI), a Ugandan civil society organization. He is a lawyer by profession and advocate of the High Court of Uganda. Mr. Sewanyana has written and published widely on human rights, corporate governance, public sector management and access to justice. He has received several awards for his scholarly and professional work. Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN human rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms. Special Procedures mandate-holders are independent human rights experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. They are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organisation. They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work. UN Human Rights Country Page: Maldives For additional information and media requests please contact: namindranasoa.nyhaja@un.org For media enquiries regarding other UN independent experts, please contact Maya Derouaz (maya.derouaz@un.org) and Dharisha Indraguptha (dharisha.indraguptha@un.org). Follow news related to the UN"s independent human rights experts on X: @UN_SPExperts