prepared by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), with regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which the Maldives is party to since its ratification in 2006. 8. This report is the Parallel/Shadow Report compiled to the Periodic State Report submitted by the Maldivian Government last year. To prepare this report, HRCM consulted with relevant stakeholders, including the government authorities, institutions and civil society organizations in addition to the review of in‐house monitoring data and complaints received concerning civil and political rights. Article 3: Equal Rights of Men and Women Existence of Gender Imparity in running for Public Offices Chapter: 9. Chapter two of the present Constitution on Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, guarantees equal rights, opportunities and freedoms to all persons in the State. Article 17 (a) of Constitution stipulates that everyone is entitled to rights and freedoms without discrimination of any kind; including race, national origin, colour, sex, age, mental or physical disabilities, political or other opinions or native island. Moreover, according to Article 17 (b) of the Constitution special assistance or protection to disadvantaged individuals or groups or to groups requiring special social assistance as guaranteed by law shall not be deemed as discrimination specified in clause 17(a). Article 20 of the Constitution further upholds the principles of non‐discrimination and equality before and under the law and it also provides equal protection and equal benefit of the law to all persons. Additionally, the present Constitution has removed the gender bar in running for Presidency of Maldives. Subsequently, on March 13, 2010, Maldives has withdrawn its reservation made to Article 7(a) of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. As part of the initiative taken by the government to mainstream gender equality, a gender mainstreaming policy was formulated and endorsed by the government in 2009. In addition, the government has assigned gender focal points in all the ministries with the task of promoting gender perspective in all work undertaken by the respective ministries. A general observation is that, regardless of the government in administration, productive efforts are always made to formulate gender related policies promoting affirmative action but constructive efforts for the implementation of such policies unfortunately remain inadequate. Thus, it would be worthwhile to undertake a comprehensive review as to ascertain the reasons for such slow progress in implementation. 8