The Maldives has today signed the instrument of accession to the 'Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children', supplementing the United Nations Conventions against Transnational Organised Crime. Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Dunya Maumoon signed the Protocol on behalf of the Government at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning.
Speaking after the ceremony, Minister Dunya underscored that the accession to the Protocol by the Maldives demonstrates its commitment to combat trafficking in persons.
"It reflects the Government's on-going efforts to curb and stamp out offences relating to trafficking throughout the country and towards the promotion and protection of the rights of those vulnerable to trafficking including the migrant workers.' Minister Dunya stated.
Minister Dunya further underscored the challenges faced by the Government in tackling the issue of human trafficking.
"A multitude of challenges still remain in eliminating the menace of human trafficking in the Maldives including the effective implementation of the 'Anti Human Trafficking' legislation ratified by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in December 2013. Swift investigation and prosecution of those offenders, providing necessary attention to potential victims are areas with collaborative efforts is required and which needs further strengthening. Being a small island developing State with limited means, the Maldives needs to develop and strengthen efforts in identifying potential victims of human trafficking. I am happy to announce that the victim identification regulations stipulated under the Anti-Trafficking legislations has now been endorsed by the National Anti-Trafficking Steering Committee earlier this December.
The Government remains committed to combating human trafficking crimes and providing trafficked victims with appropriate and humanitarian support. The Government express assurances to fulfil its obligations locally and internationally to combat human trafficking on all fronts." Minister Dunya stated.
'Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children' is a protocol to the Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000 and entered into force on 25 December 2003. The Protocol has been ratified by 169 countries.
