The five-day "Human Rights Defenders Program," conducted at the initiative of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) to foster advocates for human rights, concluded today. The main objective of this training program was to cultivate advocates who will work collectively within the community to raise public awareness of human rights, hold the state accountable, and champion human rights causes. Held in L. Gan, certificates were awarded to 30 individuals (18 women and 12 men) who completed the five-day program.

During this visit, three teams from the Commission visited L. Maabaidhoo, L. Dhanbidhoo, L. Isdhoo, L. Kalaidhoo, L. Maamendhoo, L. Hithadhoo, L. Kunahandhoo, L. Maavah, L. Mundoo, L. Gan, and L. Fonadhoo. They conducted sessions targeted at state institutions and local residents to raise awareness about human rights and the Whistleblower Protection Act. A total of 569 participants—comprising 393 women and 176 men—attended these awareness sessions. As the concluding event of the Commission’s visit, a family festival is scheduled to be held tomorrow evening from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the L. Gan Zone Stadium.

Addressing the participants at the closing ceremony, the President of HRCM, Dr. Aishath Rameela, highlighted that human rights defenders play an indispensable and valuable role in safeguarding and sustaining human rights in society. The President also expressed hope that the knowledge and skills gained from this five-day training would inspire active defenders who will raise public awareness about human rights and openly speak out against abuse and discrimination. In her remarks at the ceremony, L. Gan Council Member Salma Umar underscored the importance of such programs in Laamu Atoll and the vital role of human rights advocates in building a community rooted in mutual respect. Speaking as a participant of the program, Ibrahim Naseeb noted that initiatives of this nature serve as an important step toward strengthening connections among individuals seeking social reform and building a unified community that stands up for human rights.Held from the 20th to the 24th of this month, this program was conducted in accordance with HRCM’s statutory mandate to support and cooperate with 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 was based on the "Human Rights Defenders Manual," developed specifically for training such individuals.

While this marks the fifth year the program has been conducted, this year’s edition saw the highest number of participants among all "Human Rights Defenders" programs organized by HRCM to date. The Human Rights Defenders Training Program was previously held in Kulhudhuffushi City in 2021, Fuvahmulah City in 2023, and Malé in 2024. Additionally, this training program was conducted in GA. Villingili in 2025.