18 January 2011, Male';The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Maldives today circulated information to its partners in the international community, via accredited missions to the Maldives, on the recent increase in extremist religious rhetoric being used by certain opposition political figures in the Maldives. All major foreign governments and regional partners, including the US, UK, France, Germany, India, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, China, Russia, Japan, monitor developments in the Maldives from accredited missions in Male, Colombo or elsewhere in South Asia.
In the note the Government of the Republic of Maldives said it is extremely concerned by the increase in extremist rhetoric used by certain politicians and NGOs, which can lead to stigmatization, stereotyping and to incitement to religious violence and hatred.
"The Government of the Maldives shares the concern of others in the international community" said the Ministry in its diplomatic note, "at instances of derogatory stereotyping, negative profiling and stigmatization of persons based on their religion or belief, as well as programmes and agendas pursued by extremist organizations. We also condemn, in this context, any advocacy of religious hatred against individuals that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence".
The Ministry warned the international community that unfortunately, at the present time, opposition politicians in the Maldives are using the new climate of free speech and freedom of the press, to promote negative religious stereotyping, especially about Christians and Jews, and to incite religious hatred, hostility and violence. The Ministry affirmed that this "represents a deeply worrying trend that can and will have a lasting negative impact on tolerance across Maldivian society".
In addition to providing examples (English translations of Dhivehi speeches, statements and pamphlets) of extremist rhetoric recently used by specific individuals, the Foreign Ministry requested the international community to work with national stakeholders to move away from the path of extremism and incitement. The note also aimed to allow for an exchange of information between countries, many of whom face their own challenges with religious extremism.
ENDS