Mariyam Azra Ahmed, Maldives HRC
June 2009: Azra has recently returned to the Maldives from an APF-sponsored study visit to meet with Commissioners and staff of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission.
Azra, a Member of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives since 2006, recently returned from an APF-sponsored study visit to meet with Commissioners and staff of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission. Here she reflects on what she learnt during the visit and the issues and challenges facing the HRCM.
What was most memorable about the visit?
It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with the Commissioners and staff of the New Zealand HRC, to hear about the breadth of their work and to participate in some meetings with stakeholders. Given my personal background in the area, I was particularly inspired by the Commission’s ‘Rights in Education’ project which applies an inclusive, whole-of-school approach to human rights. Being able to be present during the Commission meeting was also a valuable and unique opportunity.
What practical ideas did you take home?
There were a number of great ideas and strategies that I’m hoping we can emulate here in the Maldives, particularly in relation to resolving complaints through mediation. I think that is an approach that has real benefits. I also thought the Commission’s Infoline service, along with its publication of complaints case studies, were very effective approaches for engaging with the public and building awareness of human rights. But there many other things I learnt as well – such as processes to improve the efficiency of the HRCM, how to conduct Commission meetings and strategies for reaching out to the public, raising awareness and conducting training programs.
What did you share with the NZ staff and Commissioners?
One of my principal areas of responsibility with the HRCM is education and training, so I talked about our activities with atoll-based government officials, police, defense force officers and women’s committee groups. I also described the voter education campaign we ran in the lead-up to the recent Presidential elections, where we enjoyed an extremely high voter turnout; our ongoing campaign on the prevention of child abuse; and our rapid assessment of housing situation, which shone a light on the very distressing condition of housing in Maldives and the many socio-economic problems that result from this.
What are the key areas of work for the HRCM in the coming 12 months?
The Maldives will be participating in the Universal Periodic Review in 2010, so the HRCM will begin preparing for this by holding meetings with various stakeholders in the coming months. We will also be releasing a number of important reports, including a baseline assessment of disadvantaged groups and an employment assessment. Other major projects include a study on the situation of human rights in the health sector, a public information campaign on torture prevention and monitoring the Atolls and Islands Council elections.
What are the challenges facing the organisation?
In a rapidly changing political sphere, where the principles and concepts of democracy are now being tested and applied, and where human rights concepts are being introduced, there is a great need for collaboration and strengthened efforts with partner organisations to promote and protect human rights. That’s why the HRCM recently announced the establishment of an NGO network to work closely with the Commission on areas of shared concern. Of course, the HRCM is still a relatively young organisation and we appreciate the expert guidance and support of the APF and UN agencies in helping build our capacity, knowledge and skills.
What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?
When I see the impact or the change or the difference our work has on the groups with which we work. Sometimes we can feel that we are up against a wall of indifference, mistrust and sometimes outright hostility. However, by taking the time to understand the different groups, through being transparent and sincere, and in helping people understand how human rights is a necessity to living in dignity, we often see real change occur. There is a genuine desire to find out more, to learn more and, with that comes a sense of hope. When our work is valued that way, I feel that we are making a real difference.
