HRCM organizes lecture for MP’s in collaboration with APF

News | 17 August 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Forum for National Human Rights Institutions (APF) and the People’s Majlis has conducted a lecture for the members of the Parliament on Role of Parliamentarians in Protecting and Promoting Human Rights.

The lecture held at the Centre for Islamic Affairs yesterday evening was delivered by the Executive Director of APF Mr.Kieren Fitzpatrick.

Addressing the members of the parliament, in his opening remarks, the President of HRCM, stated that it is universally acknowledged that democracy is the best form of government for the people and it is so because of the involvement of the indispensible role of human rights in a democratic system. He also said that in order to create a culture of human rights, it is necessary to incorporate the principles and values of human rights in all laws approved by the Majlis. He thus stated that it is for this reason that the role of parliament members becomes so important.

In Mr. Kieren Fitzpatrick’s lecture, he spoke on human rights and legislation, the role of the Majlis in holding the executive accountable, and the importance of representation of the people in the Parliament through MPs. He spoke extensively on the importance forming a specialist human rights committee with the Majlis in order to best achieve executive accountability for the implementation of the human rights obligations.

Mr. Fitzpatrick advised that the HRCM annual reports and specialist reports and their associated recommendations be debated in the parliament.

The visiting delegation from APF has made courtesy calls on the President of the Maldives His Excellency Mr.Mohamed Nasheed, the Speaker of the People’s Majlis Honourable Mr. Abdulla Shahid, the Attorney General Honourable Mr.Husnu Suood and the Foreign Minister Honourable Dr. Ahmed Shaheed.