MaldivesOneUN January

ISSUE:14

2014

INSIDEEvidence for Policy and PlanningUNICEF launches studies on decentralisation, situation of childrenand child participation in Maldives

Life Skills TrainingGovernment reiterates commitment

Fine tuning for achievement UNDAF Mid Term Review High Level Meeting

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Strengthening ImmunizationJoint UN support

Climate ResilienceIntegrated Water Resource Management

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IOM supports counter-trafficking in Maldives14 LECReD15 Infocus:UNCT Retreat 201316

Looking at Maldivian Women's Lives, 20 Years Since the Vienna Declaration

32 UNRC a.i message and New Resident Coordinator

UNICEF launches studies / Support Gender Equality and HRBA Programming4 Rolling out DV Act6Life Skills Education5 Women’s Rights in Islam10Joint UN Support to Strengthen Immunization7 Maldives Elects New Leader: UNDP Support to Elections8

In Focus: YLP 201311 UNDAF High Level Meeting12 Climate Resilience through Integrated Water Resource Management13Leadership 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.

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.

UNICEF Representative and UN Resident Coordinator a.i.

Ms. Zeba Tanvir Bukhari

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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.

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 Under-Secretary-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).

New Resident Coordinator a.iassumes office

UN Resident Coordinator a.i.Mr. David McLachlan-Karr

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Mr. Ahmed Irfan moderated the panel and the Vice at all level of society, to ensure women's full participation President of the Human Rights Commission of the in public life. Maldives, Mr. Ahmed Tholal; Chair of local NGO Hope for Women, Ms. Aneesa Ahmed; Rector of the Another significance of the last day of the 16 days of College of Islamic Studies, Dr. Ibrahim Zakariyya activism is also the fact that it falls on the World Human Moosa Didi; and UNFPA Assistant Representative Rights Day. The global theme for this year's Human Rights Ms. Shadiya Ibrahim, appeared as panellists. day, “20 Years: Working For Your Rights” marks 20 years

thsince the Vienna Declaration and the 20 year anniversary “When you talk about gender equality what you have of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human to realise is that being equal does not mean that men Rights (OHCHR). and women are the same but, rather that the roles, responsibilities and the opportunities that society The year of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration is the attribute to men and women should be the same,” said same year that the Maldives ratified the Convention on the Mr. Tholal and emphasised on the need for advocating Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against for absolute equality and equity between men and Women (CEDAW). Since then the country has come a women. long way in terms f advancing women's rights. It acceded

to the CEDAW optional protocol in 2006, and allowed for While reflecting on the lives of Maldivian women women to stand for public office, when it withdrew its since the Vienna declaration, panellists noted the lack reservation to Article 7(a) of CEDAW in 2010. Moreover, of opportunity for women twenty years ago and effective advocacy from the GAWG -- partners among contrasted that with the situation today, where despite civil society, UN agencies, and individuals committed to the opportunities, the prevalence of restrictive beliefs the advancement of women's rights--led to the adoption and values prevent women from fully participating in of legislation on domestic violence, and renewed interest public life. In presenting the trajectory for the future, and efforts in opening up the conversation on gender panellists elaborated on the need for temporary special equality and Islam. measures and more deliberate, and coordinated efforts

Panelists at the public discussion forumPhoto:UNFPA

Looking at Maldivian Women's Lives, 20 Years Since the Vienna Declaration

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.

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

th9 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.

“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

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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.

All three studies draw largely from existing literature and data, complemented by feedback from national academics, Government 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.

UNICEF launches studies on thedecentralisation process, situation of children and child participation in the Maldives

Minister of Health and Gender, Ms. Mariyam Shakeela launches the reports with UNICEF Regional Director for South AsiaMs. Karin Hulshof and UNICEF Representative in Maldives Ms. Zeba BukhariPhoto:UNICEF

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.

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.

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.

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.

Government committed to UNFPA supported Life Skills Education package in 2014

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Top: UNFPA Country Director Mr. Alain Sibenaler presenting the 2013 State of the World Population reportMiddle: Education Minister Ms. Aishath Shiham reiterates Government support to Life Skills Education programmeBottom: Minister Shiham and Mr. Sibenaler releases Reproductive Health Knowledge and Behaviour ReportPhotos: UNFPA

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.

The Thinakun Ekeh Campaign to end domestic violence in “Thinakun Ekeh – Bodu Kusheh” (One in three – Grave the Maldives, and to mark the 16 days of activism on Offense). elimination violence against women was launched for the fourth consecutive year in Maldives on 25 November 2013. Three main strategies used were: putting up a billboard in all

thThis year's campaign lead by the Gender Advocacy inhabited islands, conducting a panel discussion to mark the 20 Working Group (GAWG) with the support of many anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and using Facebook and partners including the UN, NGOs, media, public sector and Twitter with related messages. The message in the billboard passionate individuals in the Maldives, focused on the depicted the social impact on families and highlighted the fact theme: “Thinakun Ekeh – Bodu Kusheh” that violence is forbidden in Islam. The campaign song “geveshi

hiyaa”, developed in 2010 and sung by one of the most famous “Thinakun Ekeh” which was initially instigated to advocate local artist continue to be a hit, was used widely in the media for the passage of the Domestic Violence Act that came including the social media to advocate for the cause. Television effective from April 2012, has been the theme throughout the and radio was used as a frequent platform to impart messages four years with a slight shift each year. Thinakun Ekeh means both to the public and the policy makers during the campaign. “One in three” and refers to the commonly known statistic that one in three Maldivian women, between the ages of 15 – The Gender Advocacy Working Group is a neutral platform 49 would have suffered some sort of a physical, sexual and/or created in 2011 by UNFPA for passionate individuals to work psychological abuse at some point in her life. for gender advocacy. Since the beginning of 2013, the secretariat

role has been provided by Hope for Women, a local NGO In the first year 2010, the theme was “Thinakun Ekeh – working for achieving women's rights in the Maldives. UNFPA, Geveshi Aniya Huttuvumah” (One in three – To Stop UN Women, UNICEF and OHCHR have provided financial Domestic Violence), in 2011, it was “Thinakun Ekeh – and technical support to the Gender Advocacy Working Group.Insaafu Hoadhumah” (One in three – For Justice), in 2012, it was “Thinakun Ekeh – Hujhathey Neh” (One in three – No E x c u s e ) , a n d i n 2 0 1 3 t h e t h e m e w a s

Violence Against Women is a Grave Offense – says Gender Advocates

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Wide ranging stakeholders are engaged in the process to roll-out the DV ActPhoto:UNFPA

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.

All vaccine costs as well as routine immunization costs are Thus, a short-term solution to a threatening situation was financed by the government. Each of 20 atolls has a micro- found through collaborative efforts of several partners.plan that includes activities to improve immunization Furthermore, to assess the causes of the situation and coverage, and there is also a national system in place to to propose longer-term solutions WHO Country Office in the monitor possible adverse events following immunization Maldives brought an expert from the Vaccine Preventable (AEFI). 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 The present transition period the country is undergoing, discussions, including the discussion at the UNCT retreat in however, is marked with certain challenges with regard to December 2013, where heads of UN Agencies - UNOPS, budgeting and human resource capacity, which bear direct UNICEF and WHO, agreed on urgent coordinated actions impact on public health programmes. As a result, in the year to support national health authorities in areas of vaccine

requirement forecasting, procurement and supply 2013 the EPI Programme experienced risks of stock outs of management, cold chain, communication and capacity Yellow Fever and Pentavalent Vaccines due to difficulties strengthening - to ensure uninterrupted quality supply of forecasting of the required quantities, managing high vaccines to the people of Maldives. 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.

Dr. Prem Namgyal, WHO Technical Office with EPI Programme colleaguesDecember 2013Photos: WHO

Joint UN Efforts to Strengthen Maldives National Immunization Programme

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On 17 November 2013, the Maldives saw the inauguration With voter turnout at more than 91 percent, this was a of new president Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom, a day good indication of the support to the electoral process after his runoff victory ended a long and highly-contested from partners such as the United Nations Development election process. Yameen secured the majority of the Program (UNDP) with a view to improving the quality of votes, winning over the country's first democratically political participation, to further consolidate democracy in elected leader Mohamed Nasheed, by a tight margin the Maldives..The contesting candidates were praised by the people and “We are pleased to have established strong partnerships the international community for their strong with communities, national institutions and international statesmanship, which resulted in a smooth transfer of partners to support a well-participated election, and power, but it has not been an easy journey for the tiny provide space for dialogue and strengthen commitment to island nation. The final results were announced after an democracy in the country. The quality of the preparations unexpectedly prolonged course, with the elections being and the conduct, and the acceptance of the results of the postponed on multiple occasions. elections demonstrate resilience of the people and their

commitment to moving forward for a stronger and more However, after much polarized and divided process, the people's desire for a free and fair e l e c t i o n w a s n o t dampened , a s 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.

prosperous Maldives,” said Azusa Kubota, acting Resident Representative of UNDP Maldives.“I want us to climb out of this rut and end all this political

turmoil. I'm voting today for a better job opportunities UNDP supported the Elections Commission of Maldives and brighter prospects for my aging parents. In the end for the preparations of 2013 Presidential Elections though, I hope that whoever comes to power is able to through advisory, technical and capacity building support.mend this deep divide between the people,” said voter

Lamya Ibrahim, queuing outside a school in Machangoalhi ward to cast her ballot.

“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.

Maldives Elects New LeaderUNDP provided strategic support to the Elections Commissionin the tightly-contested Presidential Election

Flag-lined streets of Male’, looking festive during the campaigning period. Photo: Jane Dinh 2013

Lamya Ibrahim, after casting her vote. Photo: Haveeru Online 2013

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>> Continued in page 9

Elections Commission. curriculum developed with UNDP In the 2013 presidential election, assistance earlier in the year.30,000 new voters were included in the A youth dialogue series titled voting list and 100,000 voters out of 'Elections Fever' was piloted in July, to the approximate 240,000 were young create a space for youth to express voters. Given that Maldives does not themselves in light of the divisions and have a civic education component in conflicts arising due to the elections. the school curriculum, educating More than 200 youth attended the young voters were specifically series, and many participated in the identified as a priority. discussions that followed the plays

based on the community-based theatre UNDP assisted the EC to launch for concept. In addition to this, the first time in the country, a community dialogue sessions, public n a t i o n w i d e vo t e r e d u c a t i o n lectures and media information programme for the 2013 presidential sessions were held to disseminate election, following a workshop on critical information and discussions voter education messaging held with around the elections. In the final days political parties, media and local of the process, a video spot NGOs. All available media were used encouraging stability and respect for to deliver voter education materials. one another was produced and aired This included the distribution of over with the slogan of 'Everybody wants a 50,000 booklets to all atolls. Key peaceful election'.messages on election processes, “We will continue to actively pursue including those displayed in 1000 our mandate to assist in improving posters focusing on the voting day electoral processes. We are working process and additional 1000 posters on with national partners to build assisted voting were displayed outside autonomous institutions and support polling stations across the country. A democratic processes in order to meet total of six different messages on the people's aspirations for democratic posters (6000 copies per poster) were governance and advanced human also visible throughout the capital Male development,” UNDP's acting and atolls. Six video spots and three “Whenever someone asks me who I Resident Representative said.radio spots were broadcasted am voting for, I say 'Nubunaanan' ('I nationally and on social media, which won't tell'). I saw this on TV, and generated over 44,700 views on thought it would be a good line to deter Facebook and other online sources. the nosy types. It works!” explains new

voter Izaan Ismail, alluding to how one All these materials featured the official of the video spots developed for the logo and branding concept developed voter education campaign (to highlight for the voter education campaign, that the vote is confidential and to titled 'Faahaga'. The campaign discourage people from pressured by provided important information and parties, family or friends into voting key messages on issues such as right to for a specific candidate), helped vote, the value of voting, and voting shaped his outlook of the election day procedures. The aim was to make process.the elections informed, free and fair. UNDP also supported training of An online campaign around this was trainers, who in turn trained the polling Following the success of the also launched, specifically targeting officials for the election. Master presidential election, UNDP is gearing yo u t h g r o u p s. E C h a s n ow trainers provided Training of Trainers support towards the upcoming trademarked the 'Faahaga' logo and to 70 selected trainees. These trainers parliamentary and local council this logo will be used in all future voter in turn trained approximately 3000 elections of the Maldives, slated for education programs conducted by the polling officials, based on the 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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UNFPA jointly with OHCHR and UN Women study indicated that among those who believed organized a training workshop on “Realizing religion is in conflict with human rights, the most Gender Equality in the Family within a often mentioned reason is women's right to Framework of Islam” during 17th to 20th equality.There is a misconception about gender November 2013. Twenty eight individuals from equality in Islam among the public, and this trend various institutions came together to gain has been observed in some Friday sermons and knowledge and to clarify misconceptions. The views expressed through media, social media and sessions were delivered by experts on Quran various gender sensitizations conducted by UN Tafseer and Figh through the world renowned agencies, Ministry of Gender and Hope for Malaysian based NGO, Sisters in Islam. Women NGO.

In Maldives, religion is commonly seen as a At the end of the four day session, one of the challenge to advance women's rights. The public at participants shared that she had thought that large has accepted domestic violence as a norm to countries she had thought of as developing lives of women. According to the Demographic nations are actually “quite backward” given the and Health Survey 2009, 30 percent of the women discrimination faced by the women in those justified husband beating a wife for reasons such countries. She added that she would do what she as burning the food, arguments, going out without can to dispel the misconception that Islam and telling, neglecting children or refusing sex. The women's rights are incompatible. One of the study entitled "Rights Side of Life" commissioned participants, a police officer who provides victim by the Human Rights Commission of the support, said that he now has the knowledge to Maldives in 2011 echoes similar attitudes from support women's rights and to deal with those men towards women's rights, particularly in the who justify domestic violence. Some of the family. For example, men are less likely (compared participants added that the knowledge gained to 2005) to agree that it is wrong to hit their wives. from the training made them realise that they Arguments from a religious perspective are often needed to do much more study and research that used to justify domestic violence and a knowledge is indeed a powerful weapon in protectionist approach towards women and girls, challenging notions and mindsets that are against which limits their rights and mobility. The same upholding rights for women.

Women’s Rights in the Context of Islam is possible

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UNFPA and OHCHR joint workshop on Realising Gender Equality in the Family within a Framework of IslamPhotos: UNFPA

Youth Leaders at the UNParticipant’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

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 Mid-term 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.

Fine tuning for acheivement: UNDAF Mid Term Review High Level Meeting

Ministry of Environment and Energy held a ceremony to mark the allocated to the development of an integrated water resource

initiation of physical works in Mahibadhoo island in Alif Dhaalu management system. The project is being in implemented in A.

atoll, through the “Increasing Climate Resilience through Dh. Mahibadhoo, HA. A. Ihavandhoo and G. Dh. Gadhdhoo. stIntegrated Water Resource Management Program” on 21 The component 1 entails designing and implementing a

December 2013. The Minister of Environment and Energy Mr. sustainable integrated water resource management which looks

Thoriq Ibrahim along with State Minister Hassan Shah, invitees at ground water recharging and assure continuous fresh water

from United Nations Development Program (UNDP), officials supply in a reliable, equitable and cost effective manner

from United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and

the officials from the Atoll Council and Island Council attended The design of this intricate system was vetted by ARUP a

the ceremony held at Mahibadhoo island to mark the project renowned international engineering company working with

reaching this milestone. 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

In the Minister's address, he noted the progress made by the Boarders in January 2014 to work directly with the island based

Project with the civil works underway and noted that the Project personal to provide guidance and international best practices in

would award the contract for the supply, installation and this arena.

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

Increasing Climate Resilience through Integrated Water Resource ManagementProgram

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. Mal

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As part of the project entitled Comprehensive Action to overview of best practices on investigation techniques, Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Maldives, IOM recently

including treatment of victims of human trafficking.conducted a four-day Counter-Trafficking training on

Furthermore, IOM also supported the establishment legal aspects, victim identification and investigation of a specialized anti-trafficking unit and facilitated techniques for law enforcement officers from 15 to 19 training of trainer sessions which were delivered to December 2013. The participants comprised 49 officers selected for this unit. This unit will essentially representatives from the Department of Immigration

and Emigration, Maldives Police Services, Labour take the lead role in investigations, prosecutions and Relations Authority and Ministry of Health and victim assistance. It will ensure the close collaboration Gender. The objective of the project is to strengthen of investigating officers and the state prosecutors, and the efforts of both the government institutions and the will enhance the inter-agency coordination mechanisms civil society to combat trafficking in persons in the areas

among government partners and NGOs. of prevention, prosecution, protection and partnerships.

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.

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

Participants of the Counter-trafficking trainingPhoto: 2013 Maldives Police Service

Counter-Trafficking training on legal aspects,victim identification and investigationtechniques

Mal

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IOM Program Manager delivering her remarksPhoto: 2013 Maldives Police Service

Supporting

UNDAF OUTCOME 9

PUNOSParticipating UN Organisations

OBJECTIVE

OUTPUTS

Isdhoo

Dhan’bidhoo

Maabaidhoo

Mundoo

Kalhaidhoo

Gan

Fonadhoo

Gaadhoo

Hithadhoo

Kunahandhoo

Maamendhoo

Maavah Low Emission Climate Resilient Development Programme

LECReD

Duration

3 Years

Donor

Denmarkthrough

Maldives One UN Fund

@UNMaldives

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.

in focus UNCT Retreat 2013

Contributions by: UN Communication GroupEdited and Compiled by: Resident Coordinators Office

Layout and Design: Resident Coordinators OfficeFor enquiries email: ahmed.majeed@one.un.org