OneUN
in the Maldives Newsletter Issue 10 January - March 2013
2012 was a challenging year for the UN and for the Maldives in general. Despite this, the UN system made good progress on achieving the goals and objectives as outlined in the UNDAF 2011-2015.
Message from the Resident Coordinator Mr. Andrew Cox INSIDE 2
UN Day 2012
3
UN Global Compact
4
16 Days of Activism
6
National Health Accounts
7
NGO Forum
8
RESULTS : HIV/AIDS Programme
9
Project Management Capacity Building
10
HIGHLIGHTS: UNODC
11
ILO Conventions
At the outset, I wish to convey my best wishes for a very successful New Year to everyone. 2012 was a challenging year for the UN and for the Maldives in general. Despite this, the UN system made good progress on achieving the goals and objectives as outlined in the UNDAF 2011-2015. In that regard, I would like to highlight UN support to the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act and setting up of the Family Protection Authority, progress in the area of gender advocacy and training, successful completion of Global Fund Activities, roll-out of the Integrated Governance Programme and support to civil society organisations. I take this opportunity to congratulate the entire UN staff and our non-resident colleagues for their hard work and commitment to make 2012 another successful year for the UN in Maldives. While these achievements are noted, I am also aware of the many challenges that we face and will continue to face in 2013. These challenges were strategically discussed at the 2012 UNCT
strategic retreat in December with participation of some of our NRA UN Resident Mr. Andrew Cox colleagues. I amCoordinator, happy that we have welcomes guests at the 2012 UN Day function consensus on 2012 a broad framework to carry Photo: RCO out UN activities in 2013. This year will also provide us the opportunity to revisit the UNDAF during the mandatory Mid Term Review (MTR). We will be sitting down with our partners in the Government to identify ways and means in which the UN can continue to be even more relevant and effective in providing development assistance to the country. This will also be the last opportunity for me to address you in my capacity as the Resident Coordinator for the Maldives, as I will be concluding my tour of duty in late January. I take this opportunity to thank everyone who have assisted and supported me over the past years in fulfilling my official duties as well as personally guiding me during some very challenging times. My family and I take fond memories of Male' and the Maldives. We will continue to follow with great interest the huge strides that the country is taking towards development and democratic consolidation.
Celebrating UN Day 2012 The UN system in the Maldives focused on sustainable development and accelerated efforts to achieve the MDGs in its celebration of the 67th founding anniversary of the United Nations. The theme for the commemoration was “MDG Acceleration and Sustainable Development”. The theme was chosen in contribution to the global advocacy to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. In an official function organized to commemorate the UN Day, the Resident Coordinator Mr. Andrew Cox stated that “while Maldives has made great strides in achieving the MDG goals and attaining MDG+ status, the gains made need to be sustained and reversal of achievements must be prevented”. Elaborating on the support provided by the UN system in this regard, Mr. Cox highlighted the ongoing UN partnership with the Government in developing an MDG Acceleration
Vice President Waheed Deen delivers key note address at the 2012 UN Day function Photo: RCO 2012
Framework, aimed at prioritising actions and strategies to reach the 2015 targets. During his speech the Resident Coordinator also noted the need to start a national dialogue on the Post-2015 development agenda and highlighted the global efforts spearheaded by the UN towards that end. Vice President, H.E Mohamed Waheed Deen was the Chief Guest at the official function and delivered a message on behalf of the Government, noting the important role played by the UN in Maldives national development process. He also highlighted the important role played by UN in facilitating political dialogue.
UN Day 2012 art competition The official programme to celebrate the 2012 UN Day included an art contest and exhibition, “Maldives”2015 and Beyond” focusing on the Millenium Development Goals. The contest held for children between 6 to 16 years was aimed at advocating for the MDGs and encouraging children to articulate their vision of Maldives post-2015. Over 500 entries were received for the competition from schools in Male' and the atolls. The best 25 art works from the primary and secondary categories were displayed at the Maldives: 2015 and Beyond exhibition held from 21-23 October at the Male' City Hall. The overall winners were presented with their awards at the official UN Day reception by the Vice President.
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Award winners of the UN Day 2012 art competition Photo : RCO 2012
Primary category award winners First Place: Mohamed Idam Moosa, Jamaaluddin School Second Place: Eenas Ahmed, Iskandhar School Third Place: V. Susan Veronica, Iskandhar School Secondary category award winners First Place: Hassan Raif Siraj, Jamaaluddin School Second Place: Azha Mohamed Yusuf,Aminiya School Third Place: Minha Mohamed Manik, Aminiya School
Local businesses sign up to the UN Global compact, committing to promote CSR initiatives. Photo:UNDP Maldives 2012
Maldives Businesses Signs up to the UN Global Compact Eighteen businesses signed up to the United Nations Global Compact in December, under an initiative facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MNCCI) and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Maldives. This move underscores the businesses' commitment to shaping long-term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies that embrace the key values of respect for others as well as ethical and environmental concerns. Signing up to the Global
Compact would also lead to the formation of the first interim committee and pave way to establish the Global Compact Local Network in Maldives. Speaking on behalf of the private sector at the ceremony, Ismail Rasheed, Chief Executive of Dhiraagu, said that by signing up to the Global Compact, businesses are agreeing to publicly report on their progress in terms of bringing sustainable development not only to companies but more importantly, to the communities. Launched in 2000 by the UN Secretary-General, the Global Compact is the world's largest corporate citizenship and sustainability initiative. It has 10,000 participants worldwide who, in becoming a signatory to the Compact, agree to respect and promote its ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. “UNDP has been a partner with the private sector to help achieve the country's development goals, including achievement of the MDGs by 2015, through the
Global Compact. It is essential to promote Corporate Social Responsibility in the Maldives in order to address national priorities, including economic and environmental vulnerability,� said Andrew Cox, UNDP Resident Representative, at the signing ceremony. In 2009, UNDP supported MNCCI in collaboration with Ministry of Economic Development under the 'Gender and Economic Development' project to undertake an extensive study on the general understanding of CSR in Maldives. UNDP then partnered with JCI Maldives and MNCCI under the 'Employment and Enterprise Development for Women and Youth' project, to establish a local network. The Maldives local network initiative aims at enhancing civic engagement and corporate social responsibility of the private sector by promoting the ten principles of the UN Global Compact, as well as forging partnerships between private sector organizations, public sector institutions and civil society.
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Maldives Says NO to Gender Based Violence 16 Days of Activism Gender Advocacy Working Group (GAWG) in partnership with UNFPA and UN Women initiated the Thinakun Ekeh – Hujjathehneiy (One in three – No excuse) as part of the '16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence' and in support of UN Secretary General's campaign 'UNiTE to End Violence Against Women'. The campaign called for actions from all walks of life and to engage people to come together and end gender based violence. The campaign urges the State Institutions to take measures to prevent and respond to gender based violence in the country. The orange ribbon was adopted as a symbol to show a commitment to end violence against women.
Hujjatheh Neh – No Excuse The enactment of the Prevention of Domestic Violence in April 2012, made all types of domestic violence a criminal offence. This paved way for victims of domestic violence to seek state intervention, protection and justice to the abuse. The theme Hujjatheh Neh or No Excuse was drawn in support of the DV Act and to spread awareness about Domestic Violence. Many women and girls are not aware that there are actions that can be taken by law against violence towards them.
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Newsletter I Issue 10 I January - March 2013
Preparing for the 16 days of activism campaign Photo: UNFPA Maldives 2012
The 16 days of activism campaign to say NO to gender based violence was launched through a special event at Raalhugandu area on November 25, the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women. The campaign attracted over 800 people through theatre performances, distribution of oranges, orange ribbons, pins, badges and leaflets. Prior to the launching event, three locations on the busiest streets of Male' were used for live street theatre performances depicting the issues of gender based violence. The street skits were performed by young men and women, giving out powerful messages against violence. The messages were delivered repeatedly through similar events in Villimale' and Hulhumalé. In addition to supporting the events for the campaign, UNFPA contributed materials such as leaflets, metal pins and badges used in the events. UNFPA developed the 16 role models spots broadcasted on national TV. Other contributions include the facilitation of GAWG and ensuring publicity and visibility of the campaign. Solidarity and Unity GAWG, UNFPA and UN Women were not alone in this. Solidarity and support was shown by wearing the orange ribbon throughout the 16 days of the campaign by the media, government authorities and Maldives Girl Guide Association and people in the community. Led by Human Rights Commission of Maldives, flash mobs to further sensitize the public to gender based violence appeared in Male' on 6 December, and Ministry of Health emphasized the campaign in the Lights Show held to mark the World AIDS Day.
High Level Lobbying As part of United Nations Secretary General Ban KiMoon's UNiTE to End Violence Against Women Campaign, GAWG joined UN Women in calling on Governments everywhere to COMMIT to end violence against women and girls. As the budget debate is underway in the Parliament, the campaign through press releases and media appearance urged the Parliament to work towards a gender sensitive budget and to allocate adequate resources including support to the Family Protection Authority. Reaching out to the Masses Although harder to reach, the rest of the population was not forgotten. The media coverage of the campaign made it a nationwide event, delivering the messages to the population in islands that campaign activities could not reach. The campaign closing event was marked on December 10, coinciding with International Human Rights Day where certificates were awarded to the partners and the role models were honored for their commitment to end gender based violence. Though the campaign came to an end, the issue is far from being over. The fact that gender based violence is a never ending daily predicament, is even more reason to continue saying no 365 days of the year. Studies have shown that 1 in every 3 Maldivian women have faced physical, sexual or psychological abuse at some point in her life. 16 Role Models 16 Role models were chosen as advocates to end gender based violence on criteria such as strong family values, non-discrimination and tolerance and respect towards others. These men and women voiced out to end violence against women. The messages were powerful and informative. Each day a video spot of one role model was broadcasted on national TV and released on Facebook simultaneously until the end of the campaign.
Photos: Top Left (clockwise) Street banner promoting 16 days of activism campaign Launching of the 16 days of activism campaign Young people playing an important part in the 16 days of activism campaign Street skits gave powerful messages against domestic violence All Photos: UNWomen Maldives 2012
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First NHA Study Conducted in Maldives
As a part of NHA development, the Ministry of Health, with the technical assistance from WHO, conducted the first-ever NHA study for the Maldives. In January 7, 2013, the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization conducted a national dissemination workshop that aims to promote further the development of NHA suited to the Maldives settings and present the finding of the NHA Survey 2011. It was chaired by the Honorable Minister of Health and attended by 70 participants from different national and international stakeholders in the country. Observers from the World Bank, UNFPA, UNDP, UNOPS and the Government of the Maldives have also participated and contributed to the workshop discussions. The participants discussed the NHA methodology and tools used in the Maldives, lessons learned from the survey process; NHA 2011 Survey findings and health financing policy implications and options for public health within the broader national development agenda.
WHO Representative Dr. Akjemal Magtymova addressing the participants of the national dissemination workshop of the NHA Photo: WHO Maldives 2013
What is NHA? Decision-makers need to know how much the entire nation is spending on health care, what goods and services are being delivered and who is paying for services. Improving evidence for health financing policy development and implementation is one of the priority areas of the Regional Strategy on Health Financing. National Health Accounts (NHA) is an internationally accepted policy tool for collecting, cataloguing and presenting financial data required for effective health policy formulation, implementation and monitoring. It aims to facilitate appropriate and effective health policy- and decision-making with reliable data and information on health financing and expenditure. The NHA is an internationally recognized framework that measures and tracks the use of total-public, private (including household), and donor- health care expenditures in a country. It does so by offering a transparent and consistent way of describing health expenditures in term of financing sources and the application of their resources. In other words, NHA track the flow of funds from one health care dimension to another, such as from Ministry of Health to each health provider and health service program.
In doing so, NHA answers questions like the following; who in the country finances health services? how much do they spend? on what types of services? and on how are funds, including donors' funds, used across different health services, interventions and activities? The importance of NHA is well recognized in most of the international organizations, specifically the World Health Organization and the World Bank. Currently, over 100 countries in the world have established comprehensive NHA systems that meet the international standards and classifications. These countries systematically produce NHA reports for policy discussions and assessment of their health financing arrangements. NHA work in countries helped to identify the major health financing concerns such as increasing out-of-pocket payments in total health financing and develop country specific strategies to reduce and monitor excessive financial burden on low households. These include rural cooperative medical services (China), health care funds for the poor (Viet Nam) and indigenous health insurance programme (Philippines). In South-East Asia most countries have established the NHA and/or expressed interest in developing NHA.
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“We have participation from over 60 NGO's. This in itself is an enormous networking opportunity and has led to constructive discussions,� said Abdullah
Inauguration ceremony of the NGO Forum, which brought together over 60 NGO's from across the Maldives. Photo: UNDP Maldives 2012
Shareef, a participant at the Forum from Meedhoo Island, who is also the President of one of the island's leading NGO's. Shareef expressed his happiness at the communal spirit displayed by the people of his island in organizing the event, and expressed hope that this exemplified to visitors how communities can work together, in spite of rising political and social tensions. The Forum sessions were structured to enable participants to focus efforts on venturing into capacity building, NGO mobilisation and better coordination.
UNDP NGO Forum In November 2012, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), assisted the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) in hosting the NGO Forum in Meedhoo Island in Raa Atoll, which brought together civil society actors from across the nation at the first ever forum of this scale in the country. The forum proved to be an inclusive national platform for NGOs to think and strategize on matters of mutual interest, and to unite in their diversity, in pursuit of a collective agenda of engagement with government and other development actors.
Following the NGO Forum, commitments were made to look into re-establishing the NGO advisory committee with UNDP's technical support, establishing awards for outstanding NGOs, establishing an NGO development unit in MoHA, and holding the forum as an annual event. UNDP will also assist in setting up an NGO Portal, which will connect NGO's across the country, and develop a repository of information pertinent to the sector.
This has been a valuable experience sharing exercise. I am learning to stand my ground and make women's voices heard, and this has proven to the ideal avenue for everyone to work together in an environment of mutual respect - Fathimath Zaeema (Women Enhancement, Laamu atoll Funadhoo Island)
in focus
UN Day 2012 art exhibition highlighted MDGs and gave an opportunity to look forward to a Post 2015 Maldives
Students from Thaajuddin School presents card to UNRC Andrew Cox on the occasion of 2012 UN Day
Photo: RCO 2012
Photo: RCO 2012
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RESULTS
Closure of UNDP’s HIV/AIDS Programme in Maldives
UNDP announced the closure of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) – supported HIV/AIDS programme in the Maldives. UNDP has now handed over the HIV/AIDS programme to the Government of Maldives.
Photos (from left) President Waheed presented certificates to individuals and organisations who helped in the successful completion of the programme. Photo: UNDP 2012
Targetted outreach activities played an important part in taking the message of prevention to the masses.
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UNOPS Capacity Building Workshop 2013 UNOPS capacity building workshops are a series of workshops organized through UNOPS Project Management Practice Group, on core-concepts of project management. The first workshop of this series was kicked-off from the Maldives and will continue on throughout 2013 to be held in over 16 locations worldwide, from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Port-au-Prince, Haiti in English, French or Spanish. The objective of these workshops are to generate sufficient awareness and capacities of partners, Governments, NGO's, UN Colleagues and UNOPS personnel in the value and importance of project management. UNOPS Capacity Building Workshop in the Maldives was held on 15th January 2013 at Bandos Island Resort, with over 66 participants from various Government Ministries, independent commissions, agencies, MalĂŠ City Councils and other UN Agencies. The workshop was conducted by Mr. Ricardo Vargas who is the Director of the Project Management Practice Group at UNOPS. The Workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Andrew Cox, the Residential Coordinator for United Nations in the Maldives. In his speech, he highlighted that UN aims to promote stronger institutions with the required capacities to enable the democratic consolidation in the country and its Middle Income graduation.
UNOPS Capacity Building Workshop in Maldives; the first of a series of workshops covering core concepts of project management Photo: UNOPS Maldives 2013
He further emphasized the importance of building capacities within the Government and the importance of concepts such as risk management, stakeholder management, communications strategies and planning to ensure government plans and projects are effectively implemented to achieve the Maldives developmental goals. The Workshop on 15th January 2013, covered concepts such as 'What is Project Management?', 'The Value of Project Management', 'The Role of the Project Manager', 'Driving People for Success: Understanding Team Dynamics', 'Planning your project for Success' and 'Monitoring and Controlling Results' through an interactive simulation session. Ten groups of six participants per group spend couple of hours planning and budgeting to build a model bridge. Once budgets were formulated and team members were assigned work-package tasks, it was race against time for the groups to simulate the building of a bridge made out of bamboo and screws. At the end of the workshop, groups reflected on the importance of planning and waste due to entropy.
UNOPS Maldives Project Centre was established in 2010 with the aim of strengthening Sustainable Procurement and Project Management within the Government. Since then UNOPS Maldives has been engaging various different Ministries developing and promoting further Programme and Project Management processes and principles, which are key for efficient and effective governance and delivery.
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HIGHLIGHTS
UNODC 2012 Key highlights
First Drug Use survey in Maldives conducted The National Drug Use Survey (2011-2012) was conducted to estimate the number of drug users and hence, the drug use prevalence in the Maldives and to identify patterns and extent of drug use across the country and assess behavioural characteristics associated with drug use. It was also aimed at studying community knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards drug problem. The target age group for the survey was 15-64 years of age. As a result of the survey an estimation of drug users in the country for advocacy, policy and programme development can be made, while at the same time trends, drug use extent and pattern across country and behavioral changes associated with drug use would also be identified. Support to the National AIDS Programme to commemorate the World Aids Day 2012 The National AIDS Programme (NAP) is one of the key partners of this project. NAP is the lead agency coordinating the national response, carrying out the WAD activities at the National level and mobilising resources to fund the activities. The 2012 World AIDS Day commemoration in Maldives was significant as created opportunities for stakeholders, including policy makers to convey the message that the national response to HIV/AIDS needs to continue, and the commitment to the cause should be sustained. A giant red ribbon depicting the “AIDS Red Ribbon” was placed in the Republic Square for 10 days, starting from 1st of December 2012 and a lantern festival targeted for general public and targeted populations to reach out to the community, the media, and the political leaders by providing a platform for creating awareness and media attention on the matter of HIV/AIDS. UNFPA was also a key partner in commemorating Worlds Aids Day 2012. Formation of a Drug NGO Network UNODC supported the formation of the National Drug NGOs Network (NDNN). The mission of the NGO is to strengthen the capacity of service providers through sharing best practices, experiences and resources and to advocate for the accountability and transparency of stakeholders regarding substance use and related issues. At present there are 10 NGOs represented in the NDNN. The inter NGO network would facilitate and enhance communication between NGOs working in the drug prevention and awareness field. It will provide a platform for exchanging experiences and enable a collaborative effort in solving and advocating for arising drug abuse issues.
Photos (from top) MOU Signing ceremony – National Drug NGOs Network Representatives of NGOs and UNODC staff at the signing ceremony Lantern Festival - World Aids Day 2012 Photos: UNODC 2012
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"Strengthening The National Response To Drug Use In The Maldives (K30)" K30 Project is supported by UNODC "Strengthening the national response to prevent drug abuse in the Maldives", and is funded by the European Union.
... their ratification is an important sign of commitment to human rights and the ILO has been seeking to achieve universal ratification by 2015 -Ms Cleopatra DoumbiaHenry, Director, International Labour Standards Department
Maldives Ratifies the Eight ILO Fundamental Conventions The Maldives has ratified the eight ILO fundamental Conventions on 4 January 2013, dealing with four categories of fundamental principles and rights at work: freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; the effective abolition of child labour; and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. The eight ILO fundamental Conventions are: the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105), the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98), the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). The ratification of these Conventions by the Maldives brings to 138 the total number of countries that have ratified all eight fundamental Conventions, with 47 countries still to ratify one or more of the fundamental Conventions.
human rights agenda and one which will fill an existing gap in the national human rights framework”. In welcoming the ratification by the Maldives, Ms Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, Director, International Labour Standards Department stated: “The eight ILO fundamental Conventions were registered on 4 and will enter into force for the Maldives on 4 January 2013. These fundamental Conventions embody principles, rights and values that constitute a universal aspiration of the international community as a whole. They are all the more relevant today in the face of global and other challenges impinging on the welfare and livelihood of workers in all regions. Their ratification is an important sign of commitment to human rights and the ILO has been seeking to achieve universal ratification by 2015.” Mr. Donglin Li, the Country Director of the ILO Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, while congratulating the Maldivian Government on the ratification of the ILO eight ILO fundamental Conventions, noted that the Maldives became a member of the ILO in May 2009 and it is the 4th country to ratify all eight ILO fundamental Conventions in the region apart from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal. Mr. Li expressed ILO Office's commitment to expand its technical cooperation in the country to promote the decent work for all women and men in the Maldives
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Samad Abdullah said: “The Government is proud to have ratified these Conventions. This is a major achievement for the Government and breaks new ground in the promotion and protection of labour rights in the country. It is also an important accomplishment in the government's
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in focus
Top: UN Maldives staff pose for a photograph during the UN Day 2012 reception Bottom (L-R):UNOPS Capacity Building Workshop, Primary category award winning art work of the UN Day 2012 art competition, Round Table Conference on Strengthening Local Governance (Photos: RCO/UNDP/UNOPS Maldives)
Calendar January - March 2013 Inception workshop - UNIDO (Date TBC) Project: Enabling activities to facilitate early action on the implementation of the Stockholm Convention in the Maldives
UNITED NATIONS / MALDIVES
Contributions by: UN Communications Group Edited and Compiled by: Office of the Resident Coordinator Layout and Design: Office of the UN Resident Coordinator For enquiries email: mohamed.faisal@undp.org
UN Building. Buruzu Magu Male’ 20152. Maldives Email: registry.mv@undp.org Te l : + 9 6 0 3 3 2 4 5 0 1 Fax: +960 3324504 www.un.org.mv