FOREWORD UNDP is pleased to support the publication of the third ‘Rights Side of Life’ (RSL) Survey in Maldives. Since its first edition in 2005, the RSL Surveys have provided useful updates and trends regarding the issues related to human rights in the Maldives. As a young democracy on its journey towards the achievement of inclusive and sustainable development, Maldives has made significant strides towards becoming a nation centered on the universal values of human rights, freedom and justice for all. For instance, out of the nine core international human rights treaties, the country has joined eight and ratified seven. For the Maldives to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is fundamental to recognize the interlinkages between SDGs and human rights. In this regard, the National Human Rights Framework guided by the 2008 Constitution of Maldives identifies and maps the interlinkages between SDGs and human rights. However, the country’s efforts to promote and protect human rights while working towards the achievement of SDGs continue to be challenged by the fragility of the social and political fabric of the country. In the face of these challenges, the third Rights Side of Life survey provides valuable data in continuing discussions and dialogues around human rights, state obligations and citizen responsibilities. The ‘Rights Side of Life: A Baseline Human Rights Survey’, determines the extent of awareness among the general public about human rights, their attitudes towards human rights issues, and their awareness of the existence of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), its functions and its effectiveness. The survey findings shed light on the grave need to address gender inequality in a more systematic and effective manner. For instance, there is a worrying increase in the number of women who did not respond to the questions regarding equal rights in the family unit (87.8% non-response rate) and child custody matters (87.8% non-response rate). The findings also reveal the need for more transparent and accountable governance institutions and greater awareness of human rights across the country. If not addressed in a timely manner, these could pose challenges to the achievement of SDGs and act as a barrier to fulfillment of human rights in the country. vii