The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) hosted its quarterly CSO Partnership Forum on July 22, 2025, at the SHE Building in Malé, bringing together 21 participants from diverse Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). This initiative, launched in December 2023, continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and capacity-building in the realm of human rights.

The July forum focused on introducing the Right to Defend Rights (R2DR) Toolkit, a monitoring instrument developed through international collaboration with the Asia Pacific Forum (APF) and the Danish Institute of Human Rights (DIHR). The toolkit is designed to assess the enabling environment for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in the Maldives. Participants engaged in group activities to explore thematic areas, identify data sources, and discuss implementation strategies, laying the groundwork for future collaboration.

Three CSOs led thematic sessions showcasing their expertise:

Alzheimer’s Society of Maldives (ASM) highlighted the urgent need for dementia awareness and policy reform, emphasizing caregiver rights and the importance of a rights-based approach to mental health. Journey NGO addressed substance abuse from a human rights and healthcare perspective, advocating for rehabilitation over criminalization and calling for improved treatment infrastructure. Society for Awareness and Fostering Enlightenment (SAFE) conducted an interactive session on mindfulness, self-care, and leadership, underscoring the growing demand for their training programs across institutions.

As part of its long-term strategy, HRCM continues to implement its Civil Society Engagement and Capacity Building Strategy. Future forums will delve deeper into thematic areas, reinforcing the partnership between HRCM and CSOs and ensuring sustained advocacy for human rights across the Maldives.