DOCSLIB.ORG

The Maldives in Transition: Human Rights and Voices of Dissent

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Maldives in Transition: Human Rights and Voices of Dissent Centre for Human Rights Education Faculty of Humanities The Maldives in Transition: Human Rights and Voices of Dissent Aminath Didi This thesis is presented for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Curtin University February 2012 THE MALDIVES IN TRANSITION: HUMAN RIGHTS AND VOICES OF DISSENT Black Friday Protests 2004 Photo by A S Moosa Aminath Didi This thesis is presented for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Curtin University Centre for Human Rights Education Faculty of Humanities February 2012 DECLARATION To the best of my knowledge and belief this thesis contains no material previously published by any other person except where due acknowledgement has been made. This thesis contains no material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma in any university. Aminath Didi February 2012 ABSTRACT This thesis explores the factors that have facilitated and inhibited the Maldives transition to a human rights respecting nation. The death of a young inmate in Maafushi Jail in September 2003 triggered events that led the Maldives to accept international human rights norms and to revise its Constitution. It also led the Maldives to embrace pluralistic democracy leading to the fall of a thirty-year dictatorial regime in 2008. Data gathered through interviews with activists and dissidents, as well as policy and law makers were analysed using grounded theory methodology. Increasing domestic opposition as well as international pressure from transnational advocacy networks and international aid donors steered the Maldives from a path of relative isolation in the 20th century, into the globalised world of the 21st century. Through the use of modern means of communication, the opposition took to direct action on the streets to bring about a regime change. The findings from the data highlight some of the challenges facing the Maldives in its transitioning from authoritarian to democratic rule. Voice has been given to dissent through this research. Key challenges still remain for the country to move forward in its path to democracy and human rights. i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The journey on my thesis has been an interesting and challenging one that I could not have undertaken alone without the support and help of many others. To each and every one of them I owe a huge debt of gratitude. First and foremost I would like to acknowledge my father who passed away all too soon when I was fourteen years old. Many times when I felt like giving up, it was his last words to me on the need to attain a good education that has kept me going. I am also extremely grateful to my mother, my sisters and my brothers for putting up with my many long distance telephone calls for a chat and help with so many things. I owe much to my son for having put up with my many late nights at the computer, for being a sounding board sometimes, and for patiently helping with the final formatting of the document. All of them have pushed me on to get me to this point. This thesis would not have been possible for the unswerving support and guidance from my supervisors. I am very grateful to Professor Linda Briskman who has been an inspiration throughout this whole journey. Without her encouragement I would not have had the confidence to complete this daunting task. I am thankful to Dr Anne-Marie Hilsdon who shared this journey with me for a major part of the time. She helped me through my struggles in making sense of my data. I am also indebted to Dr Anne Aly for reading my draft thesis and providing me with voluntary and constructive feedback to improve the quality of my work. To Professor Roy Jones, I owe a huge debt of gratitude for making it possible for me to continue with this journey to complete my thesis. I am also extremely grateful to Dr Caroline Fleay for providing me with her helpful suggestions. I take this opportunity to also thank all the staff at the Centre for Human Rights Education and the Humanities Graduate Studies Office for their help in making this journey a pleasant one. For the participants of this study, I cannot thank them enough for reliving the sometimes painful memories and sharing their personal ii experiences and stories. I salute their courage and the risks they took in their quest for democracy and human rights in the Maldives, in the face of much adversity in losing their humanity and dignity. I hope that I have been able to do justice to their stories in my thesis. President Nasheed has been an inspiration and I thank him for his support and encouragement with my research. I am also indebted to Ali Shiyam for helping me organise the interviews and for encouraging me to think positively and to stay focussed. And finally, I would like to acknowledge my fellow researchers and friends here in Perth who listened to my many concerns and who have provided me company during the much needed breaks from studies. Without you all, this would have been a very lonely journey. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract………………………………………………………….……………………………………...…. i Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………………………………. ii Table of Contents…….……………………………………………………………………………… iv List of Figures…..…………………………………………………………………………………..…. vi Map of Maldives……………………………………………………………………………………... vii List of Abbreviations……………………………………………..…………………………….. viiii Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study...…..…………………………………………………. 1 Impetus for the Research…………………………………………………………………………… 1 My Human Rights Journey…………………….…………………………………………………… 4 Significance of the Research………………………………………………………………………. 7 Designing the Study…………………………………………………………………………………... 9 Structure of the Thesis…………………………………………………………………………….. 14 Chapter 2: The Study Setting…………………………..……………………………………... 17 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………. 17 The Geography……………………………………………………………………………………...… 17 The People……………………………………………………………………………………………… 19 Socio-Cultural Aspects…………………………………………………………………………….. 21 Education……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27 Health…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 31 Housing………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 34 The Economy………………………………………………………………………………………….. 36 Governance and Administration………………………………………………………………. 40 The Judiciary…………………………………………………………………………………………… 45 Peace and Security…………………………………………………………………………………... 48 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………. 52 Chapter 3: Discourse on Human Rights…….…………..……………………………….. 54 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………. 54 The Concept of Human Rights………………………………………………………………….. 55 Development of International Human Rights Norms…………………………………. 59 Classification of Human Rights…………………………………………………………………. 74 Controversies in Human Rights………………………………………………………………... 79 The “Asian Values” Debate……………………………………………………………………….. 82 Islam and Human Rights………………………………………………………………………….. 84 Human Rights Norms in Practice……………………………………………………………… 88 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………… 97 Chapter 4: Research Methodology……..…………………………..………………………. 99 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………..…….. 99 The Research Journey…………………………………………………………………………..…. 99 Research Design……………………………………………………………………………………. 101 The Research Process……………………………………………………………………………. 105 iv The Analytical Process…………………………………………………………………………… 113 Reflections on the Research Strategy……………………………………………………… 120 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 121 Chapter 5: Civil and Political Rights……….………………………..…………………... 122 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………….. 122 Governance Issues………………………………………………………………………………… 124 Fear and Intimidation……………………………………………………………………………. 133 Failure of the Criminal Justice System…………………………………………………….. 140 Resistance to Change……………………………………………………………………………... 146 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 150 Chapter 6: Economic and Social Rights…………………………..……………………. 153 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………….. 153 Housing Issues………………………………………………………………………………………. 155 Lack of Employment Opportunities………………………………………………………... 162 Poverty and Inequality…………………………………………………………………………... 172 Access to Education……………………………………………………………………………….. 174 Health: Problem of Drug Use………………………………………………………………….. 179 Climate Change……………………………………………………………………………………… 185 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 187 Chapter 7: Cultural and Religious Rights……………………..………………………. 190 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………….. 190 Changing Social Values…………………………………………………………………………... 193 Growing Religious Extremism………………………………………………………………... 201 Alienation and Social Exclusion……………………………………………………………… 211 Increasing Anti-Social Behaviour and Gang Violence………………………………. 214 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 217 Chapter 8: Conclusions from the Study………………………………………..………. 219 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………….. 219 Overview of the Findings……………………………………………………………………….. 220 The Way Forward………………………………………………………………………………….. 227 Chapter 9: Postscript………...…………………………………………………………………..231 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………….. 231 Reaction to Democratic Governance……………………………………………………….. 231 The Coup d’état? ..…..………………………………………..…………………………………….. 235 Reaction from the International Community..….………………..…………………….. 240 Where Do We Go from Here?.................................….………………..…………………….. 243 References…………………………………………………………………………………………… 247 v LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: The Research Procedure…………………………………………………...….. 108 Figure 2: Issues Identified……………………………………………………………………..115 Figure 3: Themes Identified…………………………………………………………………..117 Figure 4: Categories Identified………………………………………………………………119
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Island President
    EDUCATOR GUIDE The Island President PBS.ORG/INDEPENDENTLENS/ISLAND-PRESIDENT HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM CLICK THIS ICON TO GO BACK TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS A complete educational edition DVD Table of Contents is available for purchase at Introduction 03 www.firstrunfeatures.com/ islandpresident_educational Film Synopsis 04 This 2-DVD package includeds two How to Use This Guide 05 additional lesson plans and three additional video modules, Subject Areas and Key Concepts 06 in addition to the complete film LESSON 1: and university curriculum. Global Climate Change And The Ethics Of Industry Overview of Lesson 07 Student Handout A: Man vs. Nature 17 Student Handout B: Film Synopsis 18 LESSON 2: Universal Human Rights And The Ethics Of Government Overview of Lesson 19 Student Handout: Film Synopsis 31 Credits 32 2 HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM Introduction Group screening of The Island President in an educational environment will ignite interest, inspire debate, and prompt further investigation into a variety of topical issues and academic disciplines. This guide was created to empower educators worldwide to maximize the educational value of a classroom or seminar screening and to supplement post-viewing group discussion, further research, and active engagement. The curriculum was developed for use in middle and high school classrooms, and is aligned with key national standards in language arts, social studies, and science. The guide includes two lesson plans geared toward personal and local discovery, critical thinking, and interpersonal activity. 3 HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM Film Synopsis The Island President tells the story of recent Middle Eastern populist revolts another day. When all hope fades for President Mohamed Nasheed of the against autocrats in Tunisia, Egypt, and any kind of written accord to be signed, Maldives, a man confronting a problem elsewhere.
    [Show full text]
  • The Politicisation of Religion and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
    women's, gender, and rights perspectives in health policies and programmes vol. 23 no. 1 2017 issn 1394-4444 for change Intersections: The Politicisation of Religion and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights voices from the global factfile 41—47 south 19—28 Mis(Using) Religion: Reconfiguring Culture and The Cases of Bangladesh, Religion for Women’s India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Human Rights: In and the Philippines Conversation with Farida Shaheed editorial and production Interrrogating Religion In team 48 Search of Gender Justice: In Conversation with Fulata Moyo published by the asian-pacific resource & researche centre monitoring countries and for women regional activities 29—33 One Step Forward, 10 Steps Backward: CEDAW spotlight 6—18 and Tonga Needing Bold Responses: Religious Fundamentalism The Current Landscape in in Latin America and the Religious Extremism, Caribbean Fundamentalisms, Gender, and Human Rights resources from the arrow published with the funding support of SRHR Caught in the Crossfire srhr knowledge sharing of Politics and Religion: centre 33—37 The Cases of the Maldives, Morocco, and Pakistan editorial 2—6 selected arrow resources 37—39 Religious Control and Young arrow receives institutional support Religion and Politics: People: Comprehensive from the ford foundation and Posing Challenges to Sexuality Education in definitions 40—41 Women’s Rights Bangladesh and India 2 arrow for change vol. 23 no.1 2017 editorial RELIGION AND POLITICS: Posing Challenges to Women’s Rights Notes & References We did not anticipate that when the Cairo and seeks to fuse the state, geographical territory, Beijing agendas1 reached fruition, we would culture, and religious text, and impose and 1 These refer to the International Conference see a resurgence of religious extremism at define it through bodies.
    [Show full text]
  • President Mohamed Nasheed Returns to the Maldives Following Over Two Years in Exile
    President Mohamed Nasheed Returns to the Maldives Following Over Two Years in Exile November 1, 2018, London — President Mohamed Nasheed, the first democratically elected leader of the Maldives, returned safely home to the Maldives today after living in exile for two and a half years. Thousands of supporters flooded the streets to celebrate his historic return, and the return of a democratically elected leadership to the country. On his flight from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Malé, Maldives, President Nasheed was accompanied by President-Elect Ibrahim Solih and his wife, Madame Laila Ali. On Tuesday, October 30, the Supreme Court of the Maldives suspended President Nasheed’s 13- year sentence, which was denounced by the international community — including the U.S., India, The U.K., European Parliament, The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, The UN Human Rights Committee, The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and others — as being politically motivated, clearing a legal pathway for his return. Since his release from prison in January 2016, President Nasheed has lived in exile between Colombo, Sri Lanka and London, where he has mobilized a united, multi-party political opposition movement to the authoritarian government of President Abdulla Yameen, who jailed all of his political opponents and repressed independent media, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. Last month, Yameen lost his bid for re-election in a landslide victory for the opposition. Since Yameen's defeat, political prisoners have been freed and exiles have returned from abroad as the Maldives prepares a transition to a new leadership to occur at the inauguration of President-Elect Solih on November 17.
    [Show full text]
  • UNISCI Discussion Papers No 24
    ISSN 1696-2206 Nº 24 Octubre /October 2010 CHINA RISING IN THE GLOBAL CONTEXT UNISCI (Gracia Abad, coord.) UN IDAD DE Section I: General Articles INVESTIGACIÓN SOBRE Robert Sutter China, the United States and a “Power Shift” in Asia SEGURIDAD Y Wolfgang Deckers Europe, US, China: The Past, the Present, the Future; COOPERACIÓN Who Will Benefit from the Triangular Relationship INTERNACIONAL Gracia Abad The Beijing Consensus in the Shadow of the Global Financial Crisis RESEARCH UNIT ON Section II: Specific Articles INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND Stephen Blank Russia’s Failure in Asia COOPERATION David García El despliegue estratégico de EEUU, La República Popular China y la seguridad en Asia 2001-2010 Wang Yiwei Clash of Identities: Why China and the EU are Inharmonious in Global Governance Renato Balderrama China, América Latina y el Caribe: el doble filo de una and Selene Martínez relación positiva Jörn Dosch The Fallacy of Multilateralism Rhetoric in China-Southeast Asia Relations – A Neo-realist Perspective on Regional Order-Building Nicolás de Pedro El ascenso de China en Asia Central: ¿un nuevo hegemón regional en gestación? Alberto Priego Las relaciones sino-pakistaníes: ¿Hacia un nuevo paradigma? n Arvind Kumar Future of India – China Relations: Challenges and prospects Irina Pop China’s Energy Strategy in Central Asia:Interactions with Russia, India and Japan TERRORISMO / TERRORISM Ahmed Niyaz Terrorism and Extremism: A threat to Maldives Tourism Disponible on -line: Industry Available on-line: www.ucm.es/ info/unisci UNISCI Discussion Papers UNISCI Discussion Papers (ISSN 1696-2206) es una revista científica de acceso abierto, con sistema de evaluación por pares, sobre Relaciones Internacionales y Seguridad; ambas entendidas en sentido amplio y desde un enfoque multidimensional, abierto a diferentes perspectivas teóricas.
    [Show full text]
  • Navigating Multiple Knowledge Systems and Responding to Climate Change in the Maldives Rachel Hannah Spiegel Pitzer College
    Claremont Colleges Scholarship @ Claremont Pitzer Senior Theses Pitzer Student Scholarship 2017 Drowning in Rising Seas: Navigating Multiple Knowledge Systems and Responding to Climate Change in the Maldives Rachel Hannah Spiegel Pitzer College Recommended Citation Spiegel, Rachel Hannah, "Drowning in Rising Seas: Navigating Multiple Knowledge Systems and Responding to Climate Change in the Maldives" (2017). Pitzer Senior Theses. 76. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/pitzer_theses/76 This Open Access Senior Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Pitzer Student Scholarship at Scholarship @ Claremont. It has been accepted for inclusion in Pitzer Senior Theses by an authorized administrator of Scholarship @ Claremont. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Drowning in Rising Seas: Navigating Multiple Knowledge Systems and Responding to Climate Change in the Maldives Rachel H. Spiegel In partial fulfillment of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Analysis and International/Intercultural Studies April 2017 Pitzer College, Claremont, California Readers: Professor Joseph Parker and Professor Susan Phillips DROWNING IN RISING SEAS 1 Image: Maldivian Cabinet member and Minister of Fisheries & Agriculture Dr. Ibrahim Didi signs a document calling on the world to address global climate change October, 2009 DROWNING IN RISING SEAS 2 ABSTRACT The threat of global climate change increasingly influences the actions of human society. As world leaders have negotiated adaptation strategies over the past couple of decades, a certain discourse has emerged that privileges Western conceptions of environmental degradation. I argue that this framing of climate change inhibits the successful implementation of adaptation strategies. This thesis focuses on a case study of the Maldives, an island nation deemed one of the most vulnerable locations to the impacts of rising sea levels.
    [Show full text]
  • Industrial Relations Changes in the Maldives: Critical Events and Actors Ali Najeeb Villa College, Maldives, [email protected]
    University of Wollongong Research Online Faculty of Business - Papers Faculty of Business 2016 Industrial relations changes in the Maldives: Critical events and actors Ali Najeeb Villa College, Maldives, [email protected] Mary Barrett University of Wollongong, [email protected] Publication Details Najeeb, A., Barrett, M. (2016). Industrial relations changes in the Maldives: Critical events and actors. Industrial Relations Journal, 47 (2), 181-200. Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: [email protected] Industrial relations changes in the Maldives: Critical events and actors Abstract This paper analyses recent changes in the industrial relations (IR) system in the Maldives. Critical incidents were compiled from interview and document data and analysed using a quasi-grounded theory approach. The analysis shows that, precipitated by the political events of September 2003, profound democratic and IR changes took place, including the emergence of new IR actors and institutions. However, the outcomes of these profound changes were short-lived, reverting to old undemocratic practices and arrangements. The paper highlights the reasons why democratic change occurred as it did in the Maldives and why it reversed. Keywords actors, events, critical, industrial, maldives, relations, changes Disciplines Business Publication Details Najeeb, A., Barrett, M. (2016). Industrial relations changes in the Maldives: Critical events and actors. Industrial Relations Journal, 47 (2), 181-200. This journal article is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow.edu.au/buspapers/822 Industrial relations changes in the Maldives: Critical events and actors Ali Najeeb, Villa College, Maldives Mary Barrett, School of Management, Operations and Marketing, University of Wollongong Abstract This paper analyses recent changes in the industrial relations (IR) system in the Maldives.
    [Show full text]
  • Amnesty International Report 2014/15 the State of the World's Human Rights
    AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL OF THE WORLD’S HUMAN RIGHTS THE STATE REPORT 2014/15 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT 2014/15 THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S HUMAN RIGHTS The Amnesty International Report 2014/15 documents the state of human rights in 160 countries and territories during 2014. Some key events from 2013 are also reported. While 2014 saw violent conflict and the failure of many governments to safeguard the rights and safety of civilians, significant progress was also witnessed in the safeguarding and securing of certain human rights. Key anniversaries, including the commemoration of the Bhopal gas leak in 1984 and the Rwanda genocide in 1994, as well as reflections on 30 years since the adoption of the UN Convention against Torture, reminded us that while leaps forward have been made, there is still work to be done to ensure justice for victims and survivors of grave abuses. AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL This report also celebrates those who stand up REPORT 2014/15 for human rights across the world, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances. It represents Amnesty International’s key concerns throughout 2014/15 the world, and is essential reading for policy- THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S makers, activists and anyone with an interest in human rights. HUMAN RIGHTS Work with us at amnesty.org AIR_2014/15_cover_final.indd All Pages 23/01/2015 15:04 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. Our vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.
    [Show full text]
  • English) and Mathematics Is Low Compared to Many Other Countries
    i Table of Contents 2019 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................................................................... IV TABLE OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................. VIII PURPOSE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CCA ...................................................................................... IX EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................ X CHAPTER 1. COUNTRY CONTEXT ............................................................................................................ 2 Political Situation and Trends ........................................................................................................................................6 Gender equality .............................................................................................................................................................8 Human Rights Situation ............................................................................................................................................... 11 COVID 19 and the Impact on Human Rights ................................................................................................................. 16 Economic Context .......................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Mohamed Nasheed, Citizen of the Republic of Maldives
    PETITION TO: UNITED NATIONS WORKING GROUP ON ARBITRARY DETENTION Chairman/Rapporteur: Mads Andenas (Norway) Vice-Chairperson: Vladimir Tochilovsky (Ukraine) Sètondji Roland Adjovi (Benin) José Guevara (Mexico) Seong-Phil Hong (Republic of Korea) HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY In the Matter of Mohamed Nasheed, Citizen of the Republic of Maldives v. Government of the Republic of Maldives URGENT ACTION REQUESTED And Petition for Relief Pursuant to Resolutions 1997/50, 2000/36, 2003/31, 6/4, 15/18, 20/16, 24/71 Submitted By: Jared Genser & Maran Turner Ben Emmerson QC Amal Clooney Freedom Now Matrix Chambers Doughty Street Chambers 1776 K Street, NW, 8th Floor Griffin Building 54 Doughty Street Washington, DC 20006 Gray’s Inn, London London W1CN 2LS United States United Kingdom United Kingdom +1.202.466.3069 (phone) +44.207.404.3447 (phone) +44.207.404.1313 (phone) +1 202.478.5162 (fax) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] @jaredgenser April 30, 2015 1 Resolutions 1997/50, 2000/36, and 2003/31 were adopted by the UN Commission on Human Rights extending the mandate of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The Human Rights Council, which “assume[d]… all mandates, mechanisms, functions and responsibilities of the Commission on Human Rights…” pursuant to UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251, GA Res. 60/251, Mar. 15, 2006, at ¶ 6, has further extended the mandate through Resolutions 6/4, 15/18, 20/16, and 24/7. 1 Table of Contents Basis for “Urgent Action” Request ................................................................................................. 3 Questionnaire To Be Completed by Persons Alleging Arbitrary Arrest or Detention ...................
    [Show full text]
  • Of a Democratic Politics in the Maldives
    The Newsletter | No.59 | Spring 2012 10 | The Study The formation (and dissolution?) of a democratic politics in the Maldives As an American Fulbright scholar affiliated with the Faculty of Shari‘ah and Law at the only public institution of higher education in the Maldives – the Maldives College of Higher Education, on the Ihavandhippolhu Atoll Thiladhunmathee Atoll Maamakunudhoo Atoll capital island Male’ – I taught constitutional law and witnessed a Miladhunmadulu Atoll society poised on the edge of an electoral revolution and the ouster Arabian Sea of a thirty year (1978-2008) developmental autocracy. This article Maalhosmadulu Atoll Faadhippolhu Atoll Goidhoo Atoll recounts observations, informal interviews (conducted during the Male Atoll 2007-2008 academic year) and local press accounts of events and Indian Ocean Male political factors culminating in a bloodless regime change in 2008. Ari Atoll Scott Morrison Felidhoo Atoll Nilandhoo Atoll Malaku Atoll Kolhumadulu Atoll Hadhdhunmathee Atoll Laccadive Sea Huvadhoo Atoll Abbreviated history of the Maldives and the ancien regime quiescent and apolitical populace produce an opposition The Republic of the Maldives consists of just under 200 movement culminating in a protest party able to wrest inhabited and 1000 uninhabited islands, distributed across power from a highly entrenched regime, the head of which 0° EQUATOR 19 coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and controlled the press and media, presiding over a system Sri Lanka. According to the most recent census, in 2006,
    [Show full text]
  • Domestic Violence in Asia: Globalization, Gender and Islam in the Maldives by Emma Fulu
    Book Review: Domestic Violence in Asia: Globalization, Gender and Islam in the Maldives by Emma Fulu blogs.lse.ac.uk/lsereviewofbooks/2014/12/09/book-review-domestic-violence-in-asia-globalization-gender-and- islam-in-the-maldives-by-emma-fulu/ 09/12/2014 This book looks to explore changing patterns of domestic violence in Asia. Based on extensive original research in the Maldives, it argues that forces of globalisation, consumerism, Islamism and democratisation are changing the nature of domestic relations, with shifting ideas surrounding gender and Islam being particularly significant. This is a provocative read for students of development, religion, and gender studies, writes Nehaal Bajwa. Domestic Violence in Asia: Globalization, Gender and Islam in the Maldives. Emma Fulu. Routledge. 2014. Find this book: Between 2004 and 2008, Emma Fulu worked at the Ministry of Gender and Family in the Maldives, where she conducted research and interviews for her book, Domestic Violence in Asia. Whilst there, Fulu coordinated the first Maldives Survey on Violence Against Women, which provided the quantitative context for her investigation and its impetus: although Maldivians felt that violence against women was rare in their society, the nationally representative survey revealed that a fifth of Maldivian women aged 15 to 49 had experienced physical or sexual violence (or both) from a partner. While Maldivians were shocked that such a large proportion of women had experienced partner violence, Fulu knew that compared to many other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom (26%), the USA (30%), Australia (over a third) and much of the rest of Asia, the figure from the Maldives was remarkably low.
    [Show full text]
  • The Maldives Study on Women's Health and Life Experiences
    The Maldives Study on Women’s Health and Life Experiences Initial results on prevalence, health outcomes and women’s responses to violence Emma Fulu © Ministry of Gender and Family The Maldives Study on Women’s Health and Life Experiences: Initial Results on Prevalence, Health Outcomes and Women’s Responses to Violence. ISBN 99915-95-01-5 CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..........................................................................................................................V ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY................................................................................................................... V PREVALENCE AND PATTERNS OF VIOLENCE ............................................................................................... VI ASSOCIATIONS OF VIOLENCE WITH SPECIFIC HEALTH OUTCOMES............................................................ VIII WOMEN’S COPING STRATEGIES AND USE OF SERVICES .............................................................................. IX IMPACT OF THE TSUNAMI ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN.......................................................................... X RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................................................. X CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND AGREEMENTS................................................................................... 2 DEFINITIONS..............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]