Over the years, Maldives has made remarkable progress in its development journey, but for it to achieve inclusive and sustainable development it is necessary that the benefits of this progress reach all the people whatever their sex, age and ability. It is our sincere hope that the findings of the survey will provide a basis for policy-making and agenda setting, and allow for strengthening of systems that promote and protect human rights and the rule of law. The launching of the Rights Side of Life Survey comes as a reminder of the work and effort that is required to ensure the protection of the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being. Ms.Akiko Fujii UNDP Resident Representative in the Maldives viii