Peddling intolerance and Islamic fascism under the guise of human rights

The annual report of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives is now on their website.

The principle objectives of the Commission are :-
(a) to protect, preserve and promote human rights in the Maldives in accordance with Islamic Shari’ah and the Constitution of the Maldives;

The report is in the local language and I have done some translations below. But before that - I did some googling and here are some of the parties funding Sharia Law in Maldives.

10 August 2006 - Maldives: Human rights reforms must allow freedom of religion, UN expert says - UN News Centre

But soon after ..

In an agreement signed between UNDP and Norway recently, Norway committed financial assistance to help the Commission in support of capacity building and creating awareness among the public on human rights issues. Canada has also pledged its assistance to strengthen the capacity building efforts of the Commission already underway and the assistance will contribute towards building an all-inclusive culture of respect for human rights in the country. - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Maldives.

UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO will under the current project, will contribute to the mission of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives- “to lead the promotion and protection of human rights under the Constitution of the Maldives, Islamic Shariah and regional and international Human Rights Convention ratified by the Maldives” and support the implementation of the HRCM’s Strategic Action Plan of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives.- UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO Support to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives

There are probably more donors to Sharia Law - I saw on the website that the British Council is involved and the Commonwealth should not be far behind...

Now to examine the report of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives...

Under the guise of human rights it is peddling intolerance and Islamic fascism. The annual report of this organization is a fine work of Islamic double-speak.

To begin with, I cannot fathom why a human rights report should start off as an Islamic sermon. And for most the report it just continues as a sermon.

"In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Compassionate". Praise and thanks be to Allah (Glorious and Exalted is he) who has sanctified human beings. I pray to Allah that he may bestow his peace and blessings upon Mohamed ( PBUH), The Exalted and Consecrated Above All in Both Worlds, who revealed the importance of protecting the sanctity of humans and who the beautiful example of establishing justice and equality among humans. And I include his family and companions in this prayer.”

Further reading of the report reveals that the organization is not about human rights but dedicated to aiding, abetting and enforcing bias and bigotry. Even the principle objectives of the Commission are incompatible with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The report stresses and emphasizes that Maldives is a 100% Islamic nation and completely ignores the existence of non-Muslims Maldivians and their rights. Of particular importance is the refusal by the Human Rights Commission of Maldives to address the amendment made last year by the Constitutional Assembly (the Special Majlis) to revoke the citizenship of all non-Muslim Maldivians. This amended constitution is expected to come into force this year. In response, this blogger derisively wrote - “However to our relief the human rights commission of Maldives have not yet condemned the infidels for insulting Islam and Muslims by leaving Islam or have said anything supportive of beheading them.”

The sermon goes on …“In truth, the highest pinnacle of Human Right is respect for each other. If this can be maintained under the beautiful principles of Islam, protecting all other rights will become a very easy thing.” Thus we are to conclude that Islam is the remedy for human rights abuses.

The Commissioner Mr Saleem is also either lying or misinformed when he states that “the basic freedoms and rights which are also included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are perfectly included in the second chapter of the new draft constitution.” The Universal Declaration of Human Rights specifically allows freedom of religion, including changing one's religion and the new Maldives constitution clearly prohibits it.

Of particular concern is the following paragraph:-
"Fragmentation of the political ethos and political conflicts are problems which would be solved with increasing public awareness. Political differences are issues that could be solved by dialog. On the other hand, religious divisions and differences of opinion in matters of ideology are very dangerous.
The signs of the dangers associated with this are now visible in our Maldivian community. We are now even experiencing the resulting damage. This is something which this Commission has previously expressed concern for. Finding the reasons for these religious divisions in our tiny community and taking the necessary steps regarding this, in a responsible manner is of the utmost importance.
When the number of people whose thinking and beliefs that contradict the beautiful Islamic principles are increasing, it is very important that the concerned government authorities bring out to the citizens the authentic information about religion (Islam) in a responsible manner. We would like to point out that, to save the society from religious divisions it is very important that the role played by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs be broadened.”

There already exists a 'Protection of Religious Unity of Maldivians Act' under which a person can be prosecuted and imprisoned for anything considered un- Islamic. Wearing a crucifix, owning literature of religions other than Islam, having a statue or portraits of the Buddha or Hindu deities, expressing any views either by speech or in writing which contradicts the Islamic view (as determined by the Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs) and a whole host of activities are deemed un-Islamic and can result in prosecution and incarceration.
Given that the Constitution already states that all laws should be in accordance with Islam and the Supreme Council determines what is Islam , what else does the Human Rights Commission of Maldives want when they say "the role played by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs be broadened.”?

A hierarchy of mullahs to rule the nation as in Iran? A religious police force as in Saudi Arabia?

Now thats something the Hollywood celebrities and European glitterati will not want to think about as they lounge on the beach of a Maldives resort with a cocktail.