Maldives (Commonwealth Union)_The European Union and the Government of the Maldives joined hands to officially launch their flagship initiative aimed at enhancing the rule of law and combating corruption in the Maldives. This comprehensive program, spanning five years and funded by the European Union with a total amount of EUR 5 million (MVR 83 million), is designed to address the Maldives’ specific needs and reforms in close collaboration with key stakeholders from the justice and anti-corruption sectors.
During the signature ceremony, Peteris Ustubs, Director for Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific at the Directorate General for International Partnerships, emphasized the European Union’s unwavering commitment to collaborate with the Maldives to strengthen and consolidate good democratic governance and justice reforms in the future. The newly allocated €5 million flagship program sponsored by the EU will facilitate improved access to justice, particularly for vulnerable communities such as survivors of gender-based violence. Furthermore, it will enhance the efficiency of justice service delivery throughout the country by leveraging digitalization, and contribute to the fight against corruption through the establishment of appropriate laws and empowered institutions.
During the EU financing agreement signing ceremony, His Excellency Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the European Union for their generous support in the current battle against corruption and dedicated initiatives to improve governance in the Maldives. The Maldives is steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the independence, transparency, and effectiveness of the justice system. According to him, with the promotion and protection of human rights as a key priority for the government, the emphasis on ensuring access to justice for all, including the most vulnerable communities of society, under this initiative is highly appreciated. He added that, together with the support of the European Union, the Maldives looks forward to forging a brighter future.
The ‘Strengthening the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption’ program will add to the achievements and lessons learned from previous EU initiatives in the sector. Its primary goal is to reinforce the rule of law and combat corruption in the Maldives through two key strategies. Firstly, assisting the island in creating an effective, accountable, and inclusive justice system. Secondly, enhancing anti-corruption initiatives by establishing improved legal frameworks, enhancing institutional capacity, and fostering a positive public perception.
