The Maldives delivered a statement today at the Third Committee of the 70th Session of United Nations General Assembly, concerning crime prevention and criminal justice and international drug control. The Maldives highlighted its commitment to address the issue of crime prevention and drug abuse, through conscious efforts towards youth empowerment and development.
Given that 46 per cent of the Maldivian population represents youth, and that they are increasingly subjected as victim to the vices of drug abuse, the Government accords high priority to combat the menace. The Government is committed to confront the issue "by working with international stakeholders to introduce and enforce specialized legislation on drugs, which are distinct from criminal legislation". Maldives is further committed to tackling transnational organized crime, given that the country's geographic location within a premier maritime trade route, and its high dependence on migrant workers.
The Committee was also told that the Maldives as a party to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime, is in the process of accession shortly accede to the Optional Protocol to Prevent Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children. The country's commitment to bringing an end to this phenomenon is also visible in the enactment of the Anti-Trafficking Act in 2013 and the introduction of the National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons for the years 2015 through 2019.
The statement was delivered by Mr Jeffrey Salim Waheed, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations.
