On February 26, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) hosted a forum to present the findings of its latest study, Beyond Two Decades: Twenty Years on the “Rights” Side of Life, published in December 2024.

This research, known as the Rights Side of Life (RSL) Study 4, is the fourth longitudinal study conducted by the Commission to assess public perception of human rights and the Commission’s work. The RSL study series, initiated in 2005, tracks trends in public awareness of human rights, societal attitudes, and the extent of rights protection in the Maldives. Previous studies were conducted in 2005, 2011, and 2019.

RSL 4 provides comprehensive data on public understanding of human rights, views on government services, and perspectives on democratic rights, including freedom of expression, access to information from state institutions, and participation in state decision-making. The study also examines rights related to women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, as well as gender equality and differing male and female perspectives within family relationships. In addition, it captures public perception of the Human Rights Commission and its work.

As the fourth installment in the series, the study highlights trends over the past 20 years, offering valuable insights for addressing current challenges. The Commission aims to use these findings to enhance its services and provide a resource for policymakers, state institutions, independent bodies, and international organizations working to protect and promote human rights in the Maldives.