The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) is taking significant strides to strengthen its engagement with civil society actors through the establishment of a dynamic Civil Society Network (CSO Network). This initiative aims to mobilize civil society organizations (CSOs) for the promotion, protection, and monitoring of human rights across the Maldives, fostering civic engagement and safeguarding civic space.

To achieve this goal, HRCM, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is developing a comprehensive civil society engagement and capacity-building strategy. This strategy outlines a roadmap for empowering civil society actors by:

Building Capacity: Providing training and resources to enhance the role of CSOs in promoting and advocating for human rights.

Collaboration in Advocacy: Establishing frameworks for joint advocacy efforts on critical human rights issues.

Protecting Civic Space: Ensuring efforts to maintain and expand civic space in the Maldives.

Data Collection and Monitoring: Engaging the network in collecting data and conducting human rights-based research and monitoring.

This holistic approach is designed to create an enabling environment for civil society to actively participate in public life and community empowerment. By strengthening CSOs, the HRCM aims to amplify their reach and impact, particularly in the atolls where the Commission has limited access.

The envisioned CSO Network will serve as a vital partner in the Commission’s work, supporting activities such as advocacy campaigns and monitoring human rights situations throughout the country. Importantly, the strategy emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring the representation of women, persons with disabilities, and expatriate civil society actors within the network.

This initiative is a crucial step towards fostering a more engaged and empowered civil society in the Maldives, contributing to the long-term promotion and protection of human rights.