UNGA Statements

UNGA68 (2013)

High-Level Event of the General Assembly “Contributions of Human Rights and the Rule of Law in the Post-2015 Development Agenda”

Statement by H.E. Mr. Ahmed Sareer, Permanent Representative of Maldives to the UN at the High-Level Event of the General Assembly “Contributions of Human Rights and the Rule of Law in the Post-2015 Development Agenda”,

9 June 2014

 

Mr. President, Excellencies and Distinguished delegates,

 

It is an honor for my delegation to speak here today. I would take this opportunity to thank His Excellency John Ashe, President of the General Assembly, for putting together these series of High Level events – building consensus towards our common objectives and creating a shared vision.

 

Today, the Maldives once again reaffirms its assertion that human rights, democratic development and the rule of law are fundamental components to be included in the Post 2015 development agenda and towards achieving sustainable development.

 

The Maldives is currently sitting for its second term as a member of the Human Rights Council. At the time of our election to the council, we were the smallest country to occupy a seat, and in so doing accepted the weighty responsibility to improve the implementation of human rights – not just in the Maldives, but across the globe. We therefore extend our pledge of commitment to incorporating inalienable human rights, emphasizing its relation to the rule of law and good governance, throughout the Post 2015 development agenda.

 

Mr. President,

 

The Maldives believes that the rights and freedom inherent to all people are realized through the rule of law. Though laws promoting freedom are necessary to this principle, it is not enough for laws to be written down; they must be properly applied as well. We understand that promoting the rule of law means promoting all the structures and processes to ensure those in power are accountable for the concrete results of their laws and the continued progression of their nation.

 

The Maldives’ commitment to this principle has ensured that a democratic consolidation process, begun with democratic reforms in 2004, leading to its first muilti-party Presidential election in 2008 and five subsequent democratic elections – has ensured a stable foundation for future prosperity.

 

Though the Maldives governance structure is based on separation of powers, independent institutions, and an emerging tradition for respecting the rule of law above all else, the need for democratic consolidation is ever-present. The establishment of longstanding traditions is ever our hope, with a nation resilient in its dedication to upholding democracy.

 

Mr. President,

 

We believe that the rule of law can only exist when people are able to have certain expectations for the future. They must have the opportunity to be participants and contributors to their government system, and they must be aware that their human rights protect this ability. Through such participation we have created laws that cater to the population, protecting the most vulnerable and creating frameworks for the equitable application of the rule of law.

 

The democratic successes we have had in the recent years is a story that we hope encourages other struggling countries to continue forward in their pursuit of the rule of law. We call upon all states in the process of transition and undergoing situations of unrest, to work closely with international human rights bodies and the international community in general, to establish the necessary institutions, including independent judiciaries and credible human rights mechanisms and to ensure the creation of inclusive and democratic systems of government. As a member of the Human Rights council, we give our commitment to working with these multi-level bodies to improve political systems everywhere. Certainly Inclusion and dialogue across all countries and peoples is the way forward. 

 

Mr. President,

 

The Maldives firmly believes that the rule of law at the national and international levels are inherently tied to the ability for the nations’ sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth. As our democratic institutions have stabilized, the Maldives is now looking towards diversifying our economy and building our economic base beyond our traditional tourism industry. The only way nations can grow, is holistically. Economic, social, political and civil rights go hand in hand, and is complimentary to a nation’s right to development.

 

The Maldives believes that it must put its people at the heart of its development plan. That Climate Change as an existential threat, will not hold us back, but rather galvanize our Government, people and society to reach our full potential. A sustainable future can only be met when we are ready to be the change that we call for in the world.

 

The Maldives will continue to call for this change. The Maldives will continue to be this change.

 

Thank you, Mr. President. 

OWG on SDGs - 11th Session - Statement on Means of implementation/Global partnership for sustainable development/ Peaceful and inclusive societies, rule of law and capable institutions by HE Ahmed Sareer

Thank you Mr. Co-Chair,

Maldives aligns itself with the statement made by Bolivia on behalf of G77 and China and the statement delivered by Nauru on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

With regard to Focus Area 16 on peaceful and inclusive societies, rule of law, and capable institutions, the Maldives supports the targets identified by the co-chairs thus far. As an emerging democracy, the rule of law and stable, transparent institutions are among the Maldives’ highest priorities.

With regards to Focus Area 15, Means of Implementation/ Global partnership for sustainable development, the Maldives wishes to begin by congratulating both the co-chairs and our colleagues on their work and collaboration towards creating a streamlined text with specific targets for the SDG’s. However, when looking at the text, I note that out of 22 targets, only one has a concrete timeframe, while few are quantitative. We want to learn from the shortcomings of MDG8, and ensure the SDGs are better guided. That being said, we do have a few specific remarks.

The first point Maldives wishes to make is to welcomes the section on trade, for its focus on equity aimed at establishing a sustained long-term economic vision for growth and progress. With regards to target (c), we would propose referencing tourism and fisheries, as well as the addition of SIDS following on from ‘Least Developed Countries’ to highlight the vulnerability and importance of trade to isolated nations. The sentence would thus read:

“improve market access for tourism, fisheries, agricultural and industrial exports of developing countries, especially Least Developed Countries and SIDS, and at least double the share of these countries’ exports in global exports by 2020.”

Secondly, Maldives supports the proposal made by Papua New Guinea on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States, on technology transfer, including changing target (e) to read:

establish and support relevant mechanisms for the transfer and dissemination of clean and environmentally sound, affordable and appropriate technologies to developing countries.

My third remark relates to section on strengthening global partnerships. We would only wish to make a minor alteration of further specifying that partnerships in cooperation should focus their attentions on the needs of developing countries. The proposed adjustment would add to the end of target (v) the following:

“with a focus towards sustainable development in developing countries”

Thank you, Co-Chair.

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