OneUN Maldives
January
2014 ISSUE:14
INSIDE Evidence for Policy and Planning UNICEF launches studies on decentralisation, situation of children and child participation in Maldives
ALSO Life Skills Training
Strengthening Immunization
Climate Resilience
UNDAF Mid Term Review High Level Meeting
Government reiterates commitment
Joint UN support
Integrated Water Resource Management
CONTENTS
Fine tuning for achievement
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UNRC a.i message and New Resident Coordinator
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Looking at Maldivian Women's Lives, 20 Years Since the Vienna Declaration
UNICEF launches studies / Support Gender Equality and HRBA Programming
Joint UN Support to Strengthen Immunization
In Focus: YLP 2013
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Maldives Elects New Leader: UNDP Support to Elections
UNDAF High Level Meeting
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IOM supports counter-trafficking in Maldives
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Life Skills Education
Rolling out DV Act
Women’s Rights in Islam
Climate Resilience through Integrated Water Resource Management
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LECReD
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Infocus:UNCT Retreat 2013
Leadership for UNCT New Resident Coordinator a.i
Message from the Resident Coordinator a.i Zeba Tanvir Bukhari Congratulations to the UN family in the Maldives for a very successful 2013. Despite challenges, resident and non-resident UN agencies provided significant development support to partners in the country. The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2011-2015, which focuses on coordinating development assistance and activities in areas where the UN has comparative advantages, went through a Mid Term Review in 2013. Resident and non-resident UN Agencies, senior Government officials and civil society partners met in December to share and discuss the recommendations of the UNDAF review prior to final endorsement by the new Government elected towards the end of the year.
UNICEF Representative and UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Ms. Zeba Tanvir Bukhari
A major milestone of 2013 was the finalisation of the Low Emission Climate Resilient Development Programme (LECReD). The Programme, funded by the Danish Government contribution to the Maldives One UN Fund builds on existing interventions, taking an integrated eco-system based approach towards environmental, social and economic vulnerabilities facing the Maldives. The area based programme, to be implemented in Laamu atoll, is the first joint-programme undertaken by the UN system in the Maldives. The programme will be directly implemented by the UN agencies with strong support from the Government, Laamu Atoll Council, the Laamu Atoll community and other stakeholders. It was a pleasure for us to host a well attended annual UNCT retreat in December 2013. The one day retreat provided a valuable opportunity for all to reflect on the year's work and plan for 2014 and beyond. I thank those who took time out to participate in the retreat and reiterate their strong commitment to the work of UN in the Maldives. The discussions and recommendations will go a long way in streamlining our shared responsibilities in the country. Happy New Year and Seasons Greetings to all.
New Resident Coordinator a.i assumes office David McLachlan-Karr assumed office as the new Resident Coordinator a.i. in Maldives in early January. Previously David was the Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Papua New Guinea from 2009 to 2013 and RC/RR in Venezuela. David started his international career as a diplomat in 1984. He served overseas in a series of diplomatic postings at the Australian embassies at Mexico City, Seoul and Tehran. He joined the United Nations in 1993 when he was seconded from the Australian Foreign Service to a political/humanitarian affairs post with UNOSOM II in Somalia. He was posted first to HQ Mogadishu and later opened the UNOSOM field office in North Mogadishu. In 1994, he opened the first DHA Office in the former soviet republic of Azerbaijan.
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In 1995, his life gravitated to humanitarian work with a headquarters assignment with the Department of Humanitarian Affairs in New York. As Chief, a.i. and later Chief of the Asia, Europe & Latin America Section of the Emergency Response Division, he undertook a series of medium-term field assignments to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zaire (DRC), the Russian Federation (Chechnya), and also to UN missions in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Darfur (Sudan). During his posting to Headquarters, David accompanied the UnderSecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Sergio Vieira de Mello, as Humanitarian Advisor, on start-up UN missions in Kosovo and Timor Leste. In 2003, David conducted a special humanitarian mission to Baghdad following the bombing of the UN Office in Iraq. David holds an honour's degree in International Relations and International Law from the University of Queensland (University Medalist 1983) and an M. Phil. in International Relations from the University of Cambridge. He is the father of a son, Alfred, (born 2013).
UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Mr. David McLachlan-Karr
Panelists at the public discussion forum Photo:UNFPA
Looking at Maldivian Women's Lives, 20 Years Since the Vienna Declaration
The discussion, took place on 7 December 2013 from 20:00 – 22:30 hrs at the Maldives National University Auditorium and aired on public television on 9th December, focused mainly on the topic of women's participation in public life: taking stock of achievements; exploring structural issues that prevent women's participation in public life; and identifying the challenges that lie ahead.
Newsletter I Issue 13 I October - December 2013
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in the Maldives
“When you talk about gender equality what you have to realise is that being equal does not mean that men and women are the same but, rather that the roles, responsibilities and the opportunities that society attribute to men and women should be the same,” said Mr. Tholal and emphasised on the need for advocating for absolute equality and equity between men and women. While reflecting on the lives of Maldivian women since the Vienna declaration, panellists noted the lack of opportunity for women twenty years ago and contrasted that with the situation today, where despite the opportunities, the prevalence of restrictive beliefs and values prevent women from fully participating in public life. In presenting the trajectory for the future, panellists elaborated on the need for temporary special measures and more deliberate, and coordinated efforts
at all level of society, to ensure women's full participation in public life. Another significance of the last day of the 16 days of activism is also the fact that it falls on the World Human Rights Day. The global theme for this year's Human Rights day, “20 Years: Working For Your Rights” marks 20 years since the Vienna Declaration and the 20th year anniversary of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The year of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration is the same year that the Maldives ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Since then the country has come a long way in terms f advancing women's rights. It acceded to the CEDAW optional protocol in 2006, and allowed for women to stand for public office, when it withdrew its reservation to Article 7(a) of CEDAW in 2010. Moreover, effective advocacy from the GAWG -- partners among civil society, UN agencies, and individuals committed to the advancement of women's rights--led to the adoption of legislation on domestic violence, and renewed interest and efforts in opening up the conversation on gender equality and Islam.
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Mr. Ahmed Irfan moderated the panel and the Vice President of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, Mr. Ahmed Tholal; Chair of local NGO Hope for Women, Ms. Aneesa Ahmed; Rector of the College of Islamic Studies, Dr. Ibrahim Zakariyya Moosa Didi; and UNFPA Assistant Representative Ms. Shadiya Ibrahim, appeared as panellists.
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“When you talk about gender equality what you have to realise is that being equal does not mean that men and women are the same but, rather that the roles, responsibilities and the opportunities that society attribute to men and women should be the same,” Ahmed Tholal, Vice President HRCM
To conclude the 16 days of activism on eliminating violence against women and to mark this year's human rights day, OHCHR, UNWomen and UNFPA supported the Gender Advocacy Working Group (GAWG) to organize a public discussion, “Bih'loori Furaalhu” (Glass Ceiling) to explore how the glass ceiling manifests itself in the Maldivian context and to reflect on how the lives of Maldivian women have changed 20 years since the Vienna Declaration.
UNICEF launches studies on the decentralisation process, situation of children and child participation in the Maldives
UNICEF Maldives has launched three studies, which look at issues creating disparities amongst Maldivian children. The studies provide figures and data examining social issues, existing disparities and quality of services that affect children in various regions across the Maldives. The studies were launched jointly by the Minister of Health and Gender, Dr.Mariyam Shakeela and the UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Ms. Karin Hulshof. Introducing the three publications, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, Ms. Zeba Bukhari, underlined the cross cutting nature of findings, showing how children's issues are a shared responsibility of multiple partners. Speaking at the event, both the Minister and the Regional Director emphasised on the importance of reliable and timely data to enable meaningful interventions to improve the lives of children.
Minister of Health and Gender, Ms. Mariyam Shakeela launches the reports with UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia Ms. Karin Hulshof and UNICEF Representative in Maldives Ms. Zeba Bukhari Photo:UNICEF
All three studies draw largely from existing literature and data, complemented by feedback from national academics, Gover nment and other relevant representatives through consultations and focus group discussions. The studies have further identified a need to generate primary data, better monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, implementation of policies and legislation and improvement of quality of services for children.
Gender Equality and Human Rights Based Approach to Programming: UNICEF supported training held in Maldives Gender Equality and Human Rights Based Approach to Programming are core principles in all UN programming. UNICEF Maldives organized a training for its staff and also invited UN colleagues, NGOs and Government representatives to participate. The training took place from November 26 to 28, with 16 participants engaged in projects, activities and operations. The training was opened by the UNICEF Representative in the Maldives, Zeba Bukhari, who laid out the objectives of the training and how this could strengthen programming especially for vulnerable population groups.
Government committed to UNFPA supported Life Skills Education package in 2014
Life Skills Education is part of the new government's 100 day road map pledged the Minister of Education at the ceremony to launch of the State of the World Population Report on the 8 December 2013. Speaking at the ceremony Dr. Shiham stated that Motherhood in Childhood accentuates a huge problem which requires urgent national responses. In Maldives people between 15 and 25 years makes up 27% of the population. This age is when important life events such as the first sexual experience and the first marriage take place. Although Maldivian girls and boys are free to decide who to marry and when to start families, the lack of sexual health information and knowledge ill equips them for crucial life challenges. At the same ceremony UNFPA launched the report “Reproductive Health Knowledge and Behaviour of Young Unmarried Women in the Maldives. In the report, Aisha retold the story that she was shocked at 16 when she found out about her first pregnancy. “I had my first boyfriend when I was 15 and after dating about a year I had my first sexual experience with him” Aisha recalled. Like many other Maldivian girls of her age most of her information and knowledge came from movies and story books. Without realizing the consequences of the choices she at age 15, Aisha, now at 25 remains a single mother looking after a nine year old. After having her child, the dream of becoming a nurse was shattered. The qualitative research by UNFPA echoes similar experiences among Maldivian youth indicating the lack of reproductive health knowledge among young women in Maldives.
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UNFPA will continue to support the Ministry of Education in 2014 to integrate the Life Skills Education packages into the school curriculum to provide adequate knowledge to Maldivian youth as they grow up. These packages were developed in 2004 and more that 1000 facilitated were trained then.
Top: UNFPA Country Director Mr. Alain Sibenaler presenting the 2013 State of the World Population report Middle: Education Minister Ms. Aishath Shiham reiterates Government support to Life Skills Education programme Bottom: Minister Shiham and Mr. Sibenaler releases Reproductive Health Knowledge and Behaviour Report Photos: UNFPA
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The research concludes that adolescent pregnancy is a big challenge in the Maldives. Government records showed 242 girls under 19 years gave birth in 2012. Although child marriage is not a widespread and despite a minimum age of marriage defined by the Family Law (2001), there were 35 marriages registered in 2012 for children under 18. Although the economic impact of adolescent pregnancy is not calculated in Maldives, international experience show considerable economic benefit of investing in addressing the challenge of motherhood in childhood.
National Strategy to roll out Domestic Violence Act underway UNFPA supports the consultations for a common platform to discuss challenges and opportunities for the services for domestic violence survivors protected under the Domestic Violence Act. The law enacted in April 2012 is the first law of its kind. It delineates roles and responsibilities of the state institutions to respond to domestic violence. “We already have many services that are been provided by the various institutions” said Ms. Aminath Eenas, the Chief Executive Officer of the Family Protection Authority – the authority formed by the law to enforce and coordinate the services of the state institutions. “Having a law does not necessarily translate to better services” she said. “When we started, many institutions including the courts were unaware of the existence of such a law while many others believe that the law is in conflict of other laws including the principles in Shariah”. With UNFPA's support the authority printed and disseminated copies of the law to law enforcement institutions and the magistrate courts to increase awareness of the law. UNFPA also supported the review of the Domestic Violence Act to identify the challenges in applying the law. Following the review a commentary on the Act was developed and an exercise to map existing services was carried out. All of these findings will inform the development of the National Strategy. Family Protection Authority is a strategic partner of UNFPA. UNFPA has supports the authority to build capacity to prevent and respond to domestic violence. Records show one in three women have experienced either physical or sexual violence at least once in their life time.
Wide ranging stakeholders are engaged in the process to roll-out the DV Act Photo:UNFPA
Violence Against Women is a Grave Offense – says Gender Advocates The Thinakun Ekeh Campaign to end domestic violence in the Maldives, and to mark the 16 days of activism on elimination violence against women was launched for the fourth consecutive year in Maldives on 25 November 2013. This year's campaign lead by the Gender Advocacy Working Group (GAWG) with the support of many partners including the UN, NGOs, media, public sector and passionate individuals in the Maldives, focused on the theme: “Thinakun Ekeh – Bodu Kusheh”
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“Thinakun Ekeh” which was initially instigated to advocate for the passage of the Domestic Violence Act that came effective from April 2012, has been the theme throughout the four years with a slight shift each year. Thinakun Ekeh means “One in three” and refers to the commonly known statistic that one in three Maldivian women, between the ages of 15 – 49 would have suffered some sort of a physical, sexual and/or psychological abuse at some point in her life. In the first year 2010, the theme was “Thinakun Ekeh – Geveshi Aniya Huttuvumah” (One in three – To Stop Domestic Violence), in 2011, it was “Thinakun Ekeh – Insaafu Hoadhumah” (One in three – For Justice), in 2012, it was “Thinakun Ekeh – Hujhathey Neh” (One in three – No Excuse), and in 2013 the theme was
“Thinakun Ekeh – Bodu Kusheh” (One in three – Grave Offense). Three main strategies used were: putting up a billboard in all inhabited islands, conducting a panel discussion to mark the 20th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and using Facebook and Twitter with related messages. The message in the billboard depicted the social impact on families and highlighted the fact that violence is forbidden in Islam. The campaign song “geveshi hiyaa”, developed in 2010 and sung by one of the most famous local artist continue to be a hit, was used widely in the media including the social media to advocate for the cause. Television and radio was used as a frequent platform to impart messages both to the public and the policy makers during the campaign. The Gender Advocacy Working Group is a neutral platform created in 2011 by UNFPA for passionate individuals to work for gender advocacy. Since the beginning of 2013, the secretariat role has been provided by Hope for Women, a local NGO working for achieving women's rights in the Maldives. UNFPA, UN Women, UNICEF and OHCHR have provided financial and technical support to the Gender Advocacy Working Group.
Joint UN Efforts to Strengthen Maldives National Immunization Programme
The present transition period the country is undergoing, however, is marked with certain challenges with regard to budgeting and human resource capacity, which bear direct impact on public health programmes. As a result, in the year 2013 the EPI Programme experienced risks of stock outs of Yellow Fever and Pentavalent Vaccines due to difficulties forecasting of the required quantities, managing high wastage and maintaining effective logistics chain in addition to a funding gap for vaccine procurement in the national budget. These led to delays in UNICEF procurement of required vaccine stocks for the country as well as timely transportation of the vaccines to the island public health services. In order to solve imminent stock-out of vaccines, the Health Protection Agency requested urgent assistance from WHO and UNICEF. Very quickly, with support from the two WHO Country Offices - in the Maldives and Sri Lanka - 200 doses of Yellow Fever vaccine and 2-month supply of Pentavalent Vaccine were provided to the Maldives by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health on a loan basis in May and December 2013 respectively. From its side, UNICEF has secured approval to support procurement of 14,000 doses of Pentavalent Vaccine on emergency basis, that would contribute towards replenishment of the buffer stock.
Thus, a short-term solution to a threatening situation was found through collaborative efforts of several partners. Furthermore, to assess the causes of the situation and propose longer-term solutions WHO Country Office in the Maldives brought an expert from the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Unit of its Regional office for South-East Asia (SEARO WHO). During his visit at the end of December 2013 Dr Pem Namgyal, WHO Technical Officer, held a number of meetings with the Ministry of Health and Gender (MOHG) top level officials, National EPI Programme staff, UN Health Team Group members, and also visited health facilities at Addu Atoll. Results of the assessment and recommendations for strengthening the National Immunization Programme were presented to the UN stakeholders (UNICEF, UNOPS, WHO) at the stakeholder meetings, as well as the team of the Health Protection Agency and the Ministry of Health and Gender Policy team led by the Minister of Health and Gender Dr Mariyam Shakeela The mission was followed up by a number of further discussions, including the discussion at the UNCT retreat in December 2013, where heads of UN Agencies - UNOPS, UNICEF and WHO, agreed on urgent coordinated actions to support national health authorities in areas of vaccine requirement forecasting, procurement and supply management, cold chain, communication and capacity strengthening - to ensure uninterrupted quality supply of vaccines to the people of Maldives.
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All vaccine costs as well as routine immunization costs are financed by the government. Each of 20 atolls has a microplan that includes activities to improve immunization coverage, and there is also a national system in place to to monitor possible adverse events following immunization (AEFI).
Dr. Prem Namgyal, WHO Technical Office with EPI Programme colleagues December 2013 Photos: WHO
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Over the past decades the Republic of Maldives has achieved remarkable progress in the area of immunization. Since the launch of the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) in 1976, polio has been eradicated, neonatal tetanus occurs no more and number of measles cases has been reduced significantly. The Maldives has near universal (over 95%) coverage against major vaccine preventable diseases. Moreover, routine immunization package includes vaccination against hepatitis B (HepB), Rubella, Mumps, and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib). The Maldives national programme also provides travellers' vaccines such as Yellow Fever and meningitis, including vaccines for Hajj and Umra pilgrims.
Flag-lined streets of Male’, looking festive during the campaigning period. Photo: Jane Dinh 2013
Maldives Elects New Leader UNDP provided strategic support to the Elections Commission in the tightly-contested Presidential Election On 17 November 2013, the Maldives saw the inauguration of new president Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom, a day after his runoff victory ended a long and highly-contested election process. Yameen secured the majority of the votes, winning over the country's first democratically elected leader Mohamed Nasheed, by a tight margin . The contesting candidates were praised by the people and the international community for their strong statesmanship, which resulted in a smooth transfer of power, but it has not been an easy journey for the tiny island nation. The final results were announced after an unexpectedly prolonged course, with the elections being postponed on multiple occasions.
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However, after much polarized and divided process, the people's desire for a free and fair election was not dampened, as was evidenced by the flocks of Maldivians lining outside polling stations eagerly looking forward to cast their vote in the long-awaited final leg of the elections.
Lamya Ibrahim, after casting her vote. Photo: Haveeru Online 2013
“I want us to climb out of this rut and end all this political turmoil. I'm voting today for a better job opportunities and brighter prospects for my aging parents. In the end though, I hope that whoever comes to power is able to mend this deep divide between the people,” said voter Lamya Ibrahim, queuing outside a school in Machangoalhi ward to cast her ballot.
With voter turnout at more than 91 percent, this was a good indication of the support to the electoral process from partners such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with a view to improving the quality of political participation, to further consolidate democracy in the Maldives. “We are pleased to have established strong partnerships with communities, national institutions and international partners to support a well-participated election, and provide space for dialogue and strengthen commitment to democracy in the country. The quality of the preparations and the conduct, and the acceptance of the results of the elections demonstrate resilience of the people and their commitment to moving forward for a stronger and more “I want us to climb out of this rut and end all this political turmoil. I'm voting today for a better job opportunities and brighter prospects for my aging parents. In the end though, I hope that whoever comes to power is able to mend this deep divide between the people,” said voter Lamya Ibrahim, queuing outside a school in Machangoalhi ward to cast her ballot.
prosperous Maldives,” said Azusa Kubota, acting Resident Representative of UNDP Maldives. UNDP supported the Elections Commission of Maldives for the preparations of 2013 Presidential Elections through advisory, technical and capacity building support. >> Continued in page 9
All these materials featured the official logo and branding concept developed for the voter education campaign, titled 'Faahaga'. The campaign provided important information and key messages on issues such as right to vote, the value of voting, and voting day procedures. The aim was to make the elections informed, free and fair. An online campaign around this was also launched, specifically targeting y o u t h g r o u p s. E C h a s n o w trademarked the 'Faahaga' logo and this logo will be used in all future voter education programs conducted by the
“Whenever someone asks me who I am voting for, I say 'Nubunaanan' ('I won't tell'). I saw this on TV, and thought it would be a good line to deter the nosy types. It works!” explains new voter Izaan Ismail, alluding to how one of the video spots developed for the voter education campaign (to highlight that the vote is confidential and to discourage people from pressured by parties, family or friends into voting for a specific candidate), helped shaped his outlook of the election process. UNDP also supported training of trainers, who in turn trained the polling officials for the election. Master trainers provided Training of Trainers to 70 selected trainees. These trainers in turn trained approximately 3000 polling officials, based on the
IGP
Following the success of the presidential election, UNDP is gearing support towards the upcoming parliamentary and local council elections of the Maldives, slated for 2014.
UNDP's Integrated Governance Programme has been providing technical and advisory support to national stakeholders and institutions, including EC in its preparation for the 2013 Presidential Election, with support from multiple donors, including FCO UK, US and AusAID. Additionally EU, Germany, DGTTF, BCPR and UNDEF supported related activities such as support to electoral assistance and dialogue etc. The rolling out of the voter education campaign was supported by local media partners and civil society groups and was managed under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme in the Maldives. It was implemented in partnerships with the Elections Commission of the Maldives.
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UNDP assisted the EC to launch for the first time in the country, a nationwide voter education programme for the 2013 presidential election, following a workshop on voter education messaging held with political parties, media and local NGOs. All available media were used to deliver voter education materials. This included the distribution of over 50,000 booklets to all atolls. Key messages on election processes, including those displayed in 1000 posters focusing on the voting day process and additional 1000 posters on assisted voting were displayed outside polling stations across the country. A total of six different messages on posters (6000 copies per poster) were also visible throughout the capital Male and atolls. Six video spots and three radio spots were broadcasted nationally and on social media, which generated over 44,700 views on Facebook and other online sources.
curriculum developed with UNDP assistance earlier in the year. A youth dialogue series titled 'Elections Fever' was piloted in July, to create a space for youth to express themselves in light of the divisions and conflicts arising due to the elections. More than 200 youth attended the series, and many participated in the discussions that followed the plays based on the community-based theatre concept. In addition to this, community dialogue sessions, public lectures and media information sessions were held to disseminate critical information and discussions around the elections. In the final days of the process, a video spot encouraging stability and respect for one another was produced and aired with the slogan of 'Everybody wants a peaceful election'. “We will continue to actively pursue our mandate to assist in improving electoral processes. We are working with national partners to build autonomous institutions and support democratic processes in order to meet the people's aspirations for democratic governance and advanced human development,” UNDP's acting Resident Representative said.
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Elections Commission. In the 2013 presidential election, 30,000 new voters were included in the voting list and 100,000 voters out of the approximate 240,000 were young voters. Given that Maldives does not have a civic education component in the school curriculum, educating young voters were specifically identified as a priority.
UNFPA and OHCHR joint workshop on Realising Gender Equality in the Family within a Framework of Islam Photos: UNFPA
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Women’s Rights in the Context of Islam is possible UNFPA jointly with OHCHR and UN Women organized a training workshop on “Realizing Gender Equality in the Family within a Framework of Islam” during 17th to 20th November 2013. Twenty eight individuals from various institutions came together to gain knowledge and to clarify misconceptions. The sessions were delivered by experts on Quran Tafseer and Figh through the world renowned Malaysian based NGO, Sisters in Islam.
study indicated that among those who believed religion is in conflict with human rights, the most often mentioned reason is women's right to equality.There is a misconception about gender equality in Islam among the public, and this trend has been observed in some Friday sermons and views expressed through media, social media and various gender sensitizations conducted by UN agencies, Ministry of Gender and Hope for Women NGO.
In Maldives, religion is commonly seen as a challenge to advance women's rights. The public at large has accepted domestic violence as a norm to lives of women. According to the Demographic and Health Survey 2009, 30 percent of the women justified husband beating a wife for reasons such as burning the food, arguments, going out without telling, neglecting children or refusing sex. The study entitled "Rights Side of Life" commissioned by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives in 2011 echoes similar attitudes from men towards women's rights, particularly in the family. For example, men are less likely (compared to 2005) to agree that it is wrong to hit their wives. Arguments from a religious perspective are often used to justify domestic violence and a protectionist approach towards women and girls, which limits their rights and mobility. The same
At the end of the four day session, one of the participants shared that she had thought that countries she had thought of as developing nations are actually “quite backward” given the discrimination faced by the women in those countries. She added that she would do what she can to dispel the misconception that Islam and women's rights are incompatible. One of the participants, a police officer who provides victim support, said that he now has the knowledge to support women's rights and to deal with those who justify domestic violence. Some of the participants added that the knowledge gained from the training made them realise that they needed to do much more study and research that knowledge is indeed a powerful weapon in challenging notions and mindsets that are against upholding rights for women.
Youth Leaders at the UN Participant’s of the annual Youth Leadership Training programme visited the UN Building in December for an orientation of UN work in Maldives The Programme organised by NGO Democracy House is supported by UNDP and UNFPA
in focus
Fine tuning for acheivement: UNDAF Mid Term Review High Level Meeting
The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) in Maldives reached halfway through its current cycle in 2013. On 12 December 2013 after the Annual Retreat of UN Country Team, many UN Agencies working with the Maldives, including Non-Resident Agencies and representatives from the Government met to discuss the findings of the Midterm Review (MTR) of the UNDAF and agree on way forward. The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of State for Environment and Energy Mr. Abdullahi Majeed and the UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Ms. Zeba Tanvir Bukhari. This High Level Meeting was also convened soon after the propitious commencement of newly elected government. Therefore, The UN agencies took this opportunity to brief the new partners on the UNDAF, the MTR process and the importance of focusing on common achievable goals during the remaining half of the UNDAF cycle. While a general consensus on continued mutual cooperation was reassured by both parties, officials of the government expressed ambitious plans for the country for which they sought support from UN Agencies. Urban poverty, sustainable energy and gender inequalities were repeated themes in this discussion. In line with urban poverty, the growing number of unemployed young people and their future was raised as a growing concern and was viewed as necessary core focus for the new government. The importance of evidence based planning also emerged as a key discussion point during the meeting. These recurring themes were to be taken up for further discussions within the new government. As 2015 approaches, bringing us closer to the end point of the current MDGs, it was apparent that the MTR process would also pave way for realignment of focus to meet goals that were lagging behind, as well as engaging in dialogue on the post 2015 development priorities.
Increasing Climate Resilience through Integrated Water Resource Management Program
The design of this intricate system was vetted by ARUP a renowned international engineering company working with UNOPS and developed under the guidance of EPA. This design is now being replicated for other water projects implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Energy. In 2013, UNOPS have awarded 5 contracts to contractors out of 10 project contracts and the assessment of the rest of the procurement processes are underway and will be awarded soon. Civil works are well under progress and is expected to be completed by June 2014. The project is currently being implemented under the leadership of Mr. Sivakolundu Sriskandarajah who is one of UNOPS project of the year award winning senior program manager. With a strong field presence and proven technical capacity, UNOPS is not only a valuable resource for development partners, but also a key actor for national capacity development and knowledge transfer. Therefore, UNOPS in the Maldives is working closely with FENAKA, the utility company and the community to enhance their capacities. Furthermore, UNOPS is training 3 persons from each island for the operation and maintenance of the system. In addition to operation and maintenance, these personal are being trained in the areas of integrated water resource management, research methodology, contract management and civil works jointly with Ministry of Environment and Energy and UNDP. Additionally, UNOPS will host experienced expertise from Engineers Without Boarders in January 2014 to work directly with the island based personal to provide guidance and international best practices in this arena.
UNOPS is a central resource for the United Nations system in physical infrastructure development, project management and procurement, including related capacity development activities. Every year, it assists a wide range of partners in implementing around US$1 billion worth of projects contributing to development, humanitarian and peace-building results to its partners.
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In the Minister's address, he noted the progress made by the Project with the civil works underway and noted that the Project would award the contract for the supply, installation and commissioning of reverse osmosis plants in January 2014 under the 100 day plan of the Government. In addition, the Minister also highlighted that programmes will be carried to increase awareness on the protection, conservation and use of water resources such as ground water, rainwater and desalinated water. The component 1 implemented by UNOPS on behalf of the Ministry of Environment and Energy funded by the Adaptation Fund of the Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change approximately 2.1 million United States Dollars per island has been
allocated to the development of an integrated water resource management system. The project is being in implemented in A. Dh. Mahibadhoo, HA. A. Ihavandhoo and G. Dh. Gadhdhoo. The component 1 entails designing and implementing a sustainable integrated water resource management which looks at ground water recharging and assure continuous fresh water supply in a reliable, equitable and cost effective manner
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Ministry of Environment and Energy held a ceremony to mark the initiation of physical works in Mahibadhoo island in Alif Dhaalu atoll, through the “Increasing Climate Resilience through Integrated Water Resource Management Program� on 21st December 2013. The Minister of Environment and Energy Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim along with State Minister Hassan Shah, invitees from United Nations Development Program (UNDP), officials from United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the officials from the Atoll Council and Island Council attended the ceremony held at Mahibadhoo island to mark the project reaching this milestone.
Participants of the Counter-trafficking training Photo: 2013 Maldives Police Service
Counter-Trafficking training on legal aspects, victim identification and investigation techniques As part of the project entitled Comprehensive Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Maldives, IOM recently conducted a four-day Counter-Trafficking training on legal aspects, victim identification and investigation techniques for law enforcement officers from 15 to 19 December 2013. The participants comprised 49 representatives from the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Maldives Police Services, Labour Relations Authority and Ministry of Health and Gender. The objective of the project is to strengthen the efforts of both the government institutions and the civil society to combat trafficking in persons in the areas of prevention, prosecution, protection and partnerships.
Issue 14, January - March 2014
14 OneUN Maldives
IOM Program Manager delivering her remarks Photo: 2013 Maldives Police Service
Concurrent to the recently passed Counter Trafficking Law 8/2013 which is the first piece of legislation that criminalizes human trafficking in Maldives, this training aims to review the international and national legal framework on anti-human trafficking in the Maldives; enhance skills on victim identification; and present an
overview of best practices on investigation techniques, including treatment of victims of human trafficking. Furthermore, IOM also supported the establishment of a specialized anti-trafficking unit and facilitated training of trainer sessions which were delivered to officers selected for this unit. This unit will essentially take the lead role in investigations, prosecutions and victim assistance. It will ensure the close collaboration of investigating officers and the state prosecutors, and will enhance the inter-agency coordination mechanisms among government partners and NGOs. Implementation of IOM's second project entitled Capacity Development in Migration Management in the Maldives is also ongoing. A five day retreat has been planned for the last week of January 2014 for members of the newly formed Steering Committee under the Counter Trafficking Law. The main objectives of the retreat are to provide orientation to the Committee, development of Standard Operating Procedures and revise the National Action Plan to combat human trafficking in the Maldives.
Isdhoo Dhan’bidhoo
Maabaidhoo Mundoo Kalhaidhoo
Maavah
LECReD
Gan
Low Emission Climate Resilient Development Programme
Fonadhoo Maamendhoo
Gaadhoo Hithadhoo
Kunahandhoo
Supporting
UNDAF OUTCOME 9
OUTPUTS
OBJECTIVE
Donor Denmark through
Maldives One UN Fund
Duration 3 Years
PUNOS Participating UN Organisations
in focus
UNCT Retreat 2013
On 11 December, 16 UNCT members, including 9 members based outside Maldives met in the UN Building for the annual UNCT retreat. This is the largest gathering of the Maldives UNCT held so far, which paved way for a wide ranging discussion on the UN’s work in the Maldives. Members discussed the UNDAF, particularly focusing on the mid-term review of the UNDAF and preparation for the High Level meeting with the Government which was held on the following day. Engagement with the newly elected government was also a major area of discussion. Members also focused on coordination and coherence issues highlighted in the MTR. A number of action points were noted for follow-up in the new year to enhance the working of the UNCT, coordination and engagement with the national partners.
Contributions by: UN Communication Group Edited and Compiled by: Resident Coordinators Office Layout and Design: Resident Coordinators Office For enquiries email: ahmed.majeed@one.un.org
@UNMaldives