Government. The Ministry of Health and Family prepared the cabinet paper required for the
ratification process which was reviewed by the President’s Office and tabled for consideration by
the cabinet. On 06 January 2010, the President’s Office requested for Parliamentary approval of
ratification. The Parliament approved the ratification of CPRD on 03 March 2010.
The ratification of CRPD binds the Maldives as a nation to uphold the rights of persons
with disabilities. According to Article 4 of the Convention, parties shall develop and carry out
policies, laws and administrative measures for securing the rights recognized in the Convention
and abolish laws, regulations, customs and practices that constitute discrimination. Ratifying
countries shall also guarantee that persons with disabilities enjoy their inherent right to life on
an equal basis with others (Article 10), ensure the equal rights and advancement of women and
girls with disabilities (Article 6) and protect children with disabilities (Article 7).
3.2 Human rights instruments
The Maldives has signed-up to 8 of the 9 core United Nations human rights instruments. In
addition to the CRPD, the rights of persons with disabilities are protected under the following
international legal human rights instruments to which Maldives is a party:
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ratified on
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ratified on 19/09/2006);
Convention on the Rights of the Child (ratified on 11/02/1991);
Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women
(acceded to on 01/07/1993);
3.3 Biwako Millennium Framework
Maldives is a member of the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the
Pacific (BMF). The BMF is a set of policy guidelines and regional mandate adopted by 62
Governments in the Asia Pacific region in May 2002. It is a non-legally binding instrument, but
contains moral commitments made by Governments.
ACTIVITIES ADDRESSING RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
19/09/2006);
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