A five-day "Human Rights Defenders Program," initiated by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) with the aim of building human rights advocates, commenced today in L. Gan.

Addressing the participants at the opening ceremony of the program, HRCM Commissioner Al-Usthadh Ismail Habeeb Abdul Raheem highlighted that the role of human rights defenders is crucial and invaluable in protecting and sustaining human rights within society. The Commissioner also stated his hope that, through the knowledge and skills gained from this five-day training, active defenders will emerge who will raise community awareness on human rights and openly work against abuse and discrimination.

Running until the 24th of this month, this program is being conducted in alignment with the legal mandate entrusted to the HRCM to provide assistance and cooperation to civil society organizations in protecting human rights in the Maldives, the Commission's "Civil Society Engagement and Capacity Building Strategy," and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The program is based on the "Human Rights Defenders Manual" developed specifically for training such individuals.

Crucial awareness sessions targeting various sectors are scheduled to be conducted as part of this program. These include training sessions to familiarize participants with the Whistleblower Protection Act and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, as well as anti-torture sessions targeted at the police, alongside sessions dedicated specifically to women and non-governmental organizations.

In addition, two HRCM teams are scheduled to visit islands across Laamu Atoll to conduct awareness sessions for school students, parents, and various institutions. Accordingly, delegations from the Commission are set to travel and deliver sessions in L. Maabaidhoo, Dhanbidhoo, Isdhoo, Kalaidhoo, Maamendhoo, Hithadhoo, Kunahandhoo, Maavah, and Mundoo. This is an extensive initiative conducted by the Commission aimed at disseminating information and increasing human rights awareness.