Maldives Calls on UN to Support Democratic Transition in Muslim World

The Maldives delegation to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva has called on the international community, led by the UN, to support the democratic and human rights reform movement taking hold across the Islamic world. Iruthisham Adam, Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, told assembled delegates that the Muslim Awakening presents enormous opportunities to the Muslim world but also places enormous responsibilities on the international community “to ensure that the newly emerging democratic States receive all the support they need”. She thus called for a UN Special Session to be convened on the subject of “human rights in the context of democratic transition” during which countries in transition like Egypt, Tunisia and the Maldives and the wider community of nations could share experiences, discuss challenges and extend offers of support and assistance.

Speaking in response to a Report by the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, Navi Pillay, Ambassador Adam agreed with the High Commissioner’s assessment that “events in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and elsewhere demonstrate, without a doubt, that human rights – the idea that we are all equal and that everyone should have the opportunity to live in peace, security, freedom in a world free from wont – are more than just words on a piece of paper. They are an inherent and undeniable part of what it means to be human”.

Referring to the Muslim Awakening, she explained that “If we get it right, democracy and human rights can become entrenched across a civilization which has historically been one of the most progressive, tolerant and enlightened on the planet. It is therefore beholden on us – representatives of the international community - to ensure that the newly democratic States emerging across the Islamic world receive all the support they need during what is sure to be an extremely difficult and fragile democratic transition”.

With this in mind, the Maldives suggested that the Council “organize an international meeting on the Muslim Awakening during which we can exchange thoughts and ideas, ask for and pledge support, discuss how the international human rights mechanisms can best support change, and work together to ensure that the aspirations of Muslims, so clearly voices over recent months, are realized and fulfilled”.