4. NATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK 4.1 Constitution of the Maldives The Constitution of the Maldives protects the rights of persons with disabilities. According to Article 17 of the Constitution of the Maldives, everyone including those with mental or physical disability is entitled to the rights and freedoms included in the Constitution without discrimination of any kind (Hussain 2008). The Article also specifies that special assistance or protection to disadvantaged individuals or groups, or to groups requiring special social assistance, as provided in law shall not be deemed to be discrimination. Article 35 (b) of the Constitution states that elderly and disadvantaged persons are entitled to protection and special assistance from the family, the community and the State.