Ms. Pia Oberoi, Senior Advisor on Migration and Human Rights for the Asia Pacific Region at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Let me begin by extending my sincere gratitude to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Organisation for Migration for organizing this meeting.
It is, indeed, a great honor for me to be here today to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Migration is by nature an issue riddled with complexity. This is because the reasons for migration mostly stem from necessity rather than individual choice.
The world has witnessed a large influx of migrants – sometimes due to forced displacement from their homelands in the face of natural disasters, or due to anthropogenic crises such as wars. And other times, with hopes for better lives, for better job opportunities and to provide for their families. More often than not, migrants are left with little to no choice but to seek refuge in lands beyond their familiarity.
As a country with one of the largest migrant populations in South Asia as a percentage of its popultion, the Maldives has, time and again, reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all migrants, without discrimination, through a whole of society approach. We are further committed to cultivate an environment that allows migrants to live lives of dignity, respect, and freedom as accorded by our constitution.
I would also like to seize this opportunity to highlight some of the initiatives undertaken by President Solih’s administration to cater to the needs of the migrant population in the Maldives.
During the pandemic, the Government of Maldives prioritized the wellbeing of the migrant population. We led several programs in collaboration with bilateral and multilateral partners, as well as the civil society to minimize and redress the disproportionate impact the pandemic had on migrants. Our mantra at that time “no one is safe until everyone is safe” reflects the inclusive nature of our pandemic response, with due consideration given to all vulnerable groups including migrant workers.
We are proud to have ensured equitable access to treatment, testing, and vaccination for all migrant workers, similar to the services extended to nationals. Additionally, I would like to highlight the Voluntary Return Program run by the Government in collaboration with relevant embassies, to assist migrants who wished to return to their respective home countries.
The Government further recognizes the societal struggles faced by the migrant population and is dedicated to eliminating migrant-based xenophobia and stigma in the Maldives. We have worked with members of the civil society and various United Nations entities to launch social media campaigns promoting acceptance, inclusion, and empathy towards all members of society.
The Government of Maldives has also undertaken legislative initiatives, to promote the wellbeing and protection of migrants in vulnerable situations. This includes the establishment of the Regulation on Expatriate Employment in 2021, the Regulation of Employees Accommodation Standards in 2021 and the Employment Agency Regulation in 2022. We are also committed to deliver on the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2021.
I would also like to highlight the amendments brought about to the Employment Act of the Maldives in 2022, to address the pre-existing challenges, which were further exacerbated by the pandemic.
The Government remains steadfast in our efforts to implement the provisions outlined in all relevant laws and will continue to ensure all rules and regulations are being met and upheld.
The United Nations Network on Migration in the Maldives, launched in 2021by the International Organisation for Migration, the UN Resident Coordinator, and the UN Country Team, is geared towards supporting the Government in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, in accordance with national priorities. The Government looks to the UN, especially the International Organisation for Migration, to work with the Government, supporting our efforts to guarantee the safety, security, and protection of migrants in the Maldives. We thank the UN for the support they have rendered so far.
Despite the progress made, we acknowledge the need to address existing and emerging challenges that require new solutions. I assure you - the Government is committed to eliminate any form of labor-exploitation, social discrimination, and unhealthy living standards to which our migrant population may be exposed to.
We value the direct and indirect contributions made by migrant workers of all skill-levels to the growth of the Maldivian economy and recognise them as important agents for the sustainable development of the country.
We believe that only through a coordinated, concerted, and collaborative effort can we continue to address and ensure the promotion, and protection of the fundamental human rights of the migrant population.
I thank you.