The purpose of this project is to raise awareness among Maldivians about the rights enshrined in the 2^nd Chapter of the 2008 Constitution. It is based on the understanding that the new democratic and human rights focused Constitution will only benefit the people when the people themselves are made aware of, and understand how to, demand their rights.

In addition to rights, the project also includes information on the legal redress mechanisms available both domestically and internationally for victims of human rights violations. The project is designed to emphasise the relevance of rights to the everyday lives of people and how rights can be used to better the lives of everyone. There is also a strong focus on the collective and individual responsibilities associated with each right.

A comprehensive book covering this material, entitled ‘Asaasee Haqquthakaai Minivankan’ (‘Basic Rights and Freedoms’), has been prepared and published by MDN. This publication has proven to be hugely popular with the general public and has also become a standard text used in human rights training given to Maldivian judges. A soft copy of the book is available here.

MDN has already held awareness raising workshops and seminars in 6 atolls including Raa, Meemu, Laamu, Gaaf Dhaal, Seenu and Gnyaviyani. Workshops will be held in 6 more atolls by the end of 2010.

This project was established in September 2009 and is funded by the United Nations Development Programme.