Dunya slams Canada for

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon has said that “selective application” of democratic principles is a “highly hypocritical approach to adopt”, in response to a statement by Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.

The statement by Canadian Foreign Minister Rob Nicholson issued on 15 June called upon Maldivian government to release all political prisoners, including former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Canada also called upon the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to “urgently put the deteriorating situation in the Maldives on its formal agenda.”

Dunya, in her response dated 16 June, referred to a report issued last month by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission which declared that the Canadian government had committed “cultural genocide” against its own people, and said:

“All States have a duty to uphold democratic principles and Canada is no exception to that rule. Selective application of such principles is a highly hypocritical approach to adopt, particularly in light of its own Truth and Reconciliation Commission which declared that the Canadian Government had committed 'cultural genocide' against its own people.

“Canada should address the cultural genocide it is alleged to have committed against native Canadians before trying to teach other nations about values of democratic principles and human rights”.

Foreign Ministry said that the Maldives welcomes constructive engagement with members of the international community, and acknowledges that upholding democratic principles as well as principles of accountability, are obligations on all states.

“Canada, and all nations are reminded however that such principles are universal, they do not have a selective application. Canada is therefore reminded of its own obligations towards these aims,” read the statement published on the Foreign Ministry website on 16 June.