At the United Nations General Assembly debate on Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, the Maldives announced that its Government has initiated a number of concrete actions to curb the stem of foreign terrorist fighters in ensuring the safety and security of all Maldivians.
Speaking at the debate, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Sareer, Permanent Representative of the Maldives, highlighted a number of measures initiated by the Government of Maldives. This includes two robust frameworks enacted by the country in 2015 which focuses on preventive measures for addressing violent extremism. One is the Anti-Terrorism Act, under which it
is a serious criminal offense for any Maldivian to travel to fight in terrorist wars on foreign soil and second is a Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Act, which criminalizes money laundering and terrorist financing in the Maldives. These two domestic legislations flows from the landmark resolution 2178 adopted by the United Nations Security Council in 2014.
Ambassador Sareer noted that the Government of Maldives remains vigilant in monitoring suspected acts of terror to prevent terrorism and tackle conditions conducive to terrorism.
The Maldives emphasized that because terrorism knows no borders, is pervasive and global, it must be tackled through a global unified strategy. The Government of Maldives has thus joined other states in a coalition to build partnerships to resolve the interlinked threats, and is working with its international partners to enhance efforts to combat terrorism. The Government of Maldives further remains committed to working with its regional and international stakeholders to suppress threats through increased cooperation and international solidarity.
Moreover, to prevent terrorism it is imperative to empower the country's youth and recognize them as an asset of society by facilitating a platform for them to express their views, Maldives told the General Assembly. As major policy priority, the Government is also addressing the needs of the large youth population of the country to provide them opportunities to realize their true potentials.
