US cites dropping MP's charges as example of Maldives poor anti-human trafficking record
The Trafficking in Persons report, which is released annually by the US State Department, maintained Maldives in Tier 2 status as last year.
The biggest challenge facing the prevention of human trafficking in Maldives is inadequate action against perpetrators, as evidenced by the withdrawal of human trafficking charges against Milandhoo MP Ali Riza, a US government analysis says.
The Trafficking in Persons report, which is released annually by the US State Department, maintained Maldives in Tier 2 status as last year.
The report notes that one of the biggest challenges facing the prevention of human trafficking in Maldives is the lack of thorough investigation and punishment of perpetrators. Some examples are:
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In 2021, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) withdrew human trafficking charges against ruling MDP’s MP Ali Riza
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Riza was charged with bringing in more than 200 foreigners to work on a resort being developed by his construction company, illegally employing them, withholding their wages and intimidating them
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Authorities have not disclosed details of any action against a police officer arrested on sex trafficking charges last year
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Authorities have not disclosed details of any action taken against former Dhiraagu chairman Mohamed Ashmali, who was arrested by Sri Lankan police for his alleged links to a child sex trafficking ring
"Labour inspectors and judges are accused of taking bribes to avoid cracking down on violations of employment laws and regulations and to keep certain cases out. Observers also inform that some officials inform businesses in advance before authorities conduct raids," the report said.
Some of the issues further highlighted in the report include:
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Maldives has not achieved the requirements to stop human trafficking
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Trafficking crimes have not been properly investigated
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Despite the high rate of trafficking of migrant labourers, no steps have been taken to address the problem
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There is no system of protection for victims of human trafficking offences; there are no temporary shelters for them
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There are no proper screening programmes targeting foreigners to identify trafficked persons
