Democracy House, with assistance from UNDP, held a discussion session in SHE building, at 2100hrs on 27^th February 2010 to commemorate the World Day of Social Justice which falls on 20th February. The panelists of the session were focusing on the sub-themes; the concept of social justice, equitable distribution of resources and opportunity, and protection of minority rights.

The keynote remarks was delivered by Mr. Ferdinand von Habsburg-Lothringen, UN Advisor for Social Cohesion and Governance in the Maldives, who conveyed the Secretary-General’s Message on the day and highlighted extracts from the International Forum for Social Development Report – “Social Justice in an Open World”.

“It is important that social justice be a shared responsibility between the government and its people, ensuring that all expectations not remain on the government’s shoulders. Citizen’s participation and advocacy is crucial to ensure that this begins at home, in the neighborhood and across the nation,” Mr. von Habsburg-Lothringen said.

UZ Mohamed Anil, a lawyer by profession and also the former Commissioner of Legal Reform defined “Social Justice” as, all the citizens in a country (from the poorest person on the margins of the society to the wealthiest) having equal rights and opportunities and an even playing field. He outlined the Second Chapter of the Maldivian Constitution which provides a list of rights that a person is entitled for in the Maldives.

He also noted that differentiation based on the qualification, work experience, traits and talents that individuals possess while recruiting to jobs and similar circumstances are known as positive discrimination. However, discrimination based on race, national, origin, colour, sex, age, mental or physical disability, political or other opinion, property birth or other status or Native Island must not be practiced in any form.

In his opinion, the most discriminated people in the society are the vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities. They have few or no opportunities in education, jobs and a suitable living environment.   However, they are also entitled to equal rights and opportunities. Laws and regulations must be passed and fairly administered to address such issues. Tax regimes, affirmative action and corporate social responsibility are also ways to ensure equitable distribution of wealth and income.

He concluded his remarks by emphasizing on the importance of working towards the Millennium Development Goals in order to achieve a free, fair and a just world.

Mr Mohamed Zahid, a seasoned development practitioner who had over two decades of experience in community development and also the current Vice President of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, stated that ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunity is a collective effort by the citizens of the country and the government. He quoted some good examples from the time of our forefathers who lived in small island communities where people respect each other and live in a caring atmosphere. In such an environment, people tend to have less feelings on injustice and discrimination. A society that embraces values like love, tolerance, respect, empathy, peace and co-operation strive towards moving into a peaceful and a just world.

He also stated that there are great differences when it comes to opportunities that are enjoyed by the people living in Male’ and those in the Atolls.. These differences occur in the islands due to the uneven dispersion of the population and the geographic setting of the country.  Consequently delivering services is extremely difficult and there are severe dis-economies of scale. He mentioned that these differences may be reduced through decentralization and empowering island communities.

Mr Zahid also stressed that even though laws and regulations are in place that guarantee rights and opportunities, this can only be achieved by being responsible citizens and giving respect to each other.

Ms. Fathimath Afiya, the Founder member of the Care Society and also the chairperson of South Asia Network on Women’s Rights in disasters representing six countries, stated that minority groups in Maldives can be noted as children, the poor, people with disabilities, groups with religious and /or political differences as well as migrant workers.
She stated that the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted in 1966, defines not just individual rights but also minimum protection for minorities. As per Article 27 of the ICCPR:-
“Persons belonging to ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities shall not be denied the right in community with the other members of their group to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, or to use their own language”

Minority groups should be given adequate protection by ensuring that children are loved and cared for, women are given the respect they deserve, by ensuring special care and assistance is provided to people with disabilities and the elderly. Fair and equal chances to be heard should be given to minority groups belonging to differing political and religious schools of thought.

Equal justice should be delivered through enforcing law and order in the country. Further to this, Human Rights and Good Governance programs must be implemented. Her discussion highlighted the need to accept differences while eliminating discrimination.

The participants of the forum were mostly students from the Secondary Schools. They raised their individual concerns regarding issues related to the concept of social justice by highlighting their experiences. It was also gathered from the forum that there is a need for topics like “Social Justice” to be incorporated in the educational curriculum.