After referring to the Human Trafficking Records, Maldives had been on the “trafficking watchlist” by the American Government since 2017. Due to this, in 2020, a new action plan was published against Human Trafficking as well as a stronger and stricter policy was taken by the National Anti-Human Trafficking Steering Committee. This resulted in the promotion of Maldives to Tier 2 in America’s annual Trafficking and Persons Report. Staying in Tier 3 would have meant the cut off of the non-humanitarian help that was been given by the American Government.
The US Department notes that “the upgrade is a reflection of the progress the Maldivian Government made in the past year, under difficult circumstances, to counter human trafficking.”
Minister of Defense Uza. Mariya Ahmed Didi appraised and shared her utmost gratefulness towards his Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for working hard against the human trafficking system even during the unfortunate times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notable Initiatives taken by the government includes the setting-up of a victim shelter in Gulhi Falhu, the allocation of funds from the State Budget for Anti-Human Trafficking, and more recently, the ratification of the second amendment to the Anti-Human Trafficking Act in alignment with the 2000 UN TIP Protocol.
She also humbly thanked the President of National Anti-Human Trafficking Steering Committee & Director of Anti-Human Trafficking, Ali Jaishan Amir, as well as the employees who have continued to show their dedication towards the course.
Minister Mariya reiterates the government's commitment to building on its achievements and implementing the Action Plan in accordance with international law and best practices.