President warns of difficulties in obtaining foreign aid due to human trafficking

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has warned that the country might face difficulties in obtaining foreign aid if drastic work is not done towards solving the problem of human trafficking.

The President said this in Laamu Fonadhoo during his speech to address the nation on the occasion of National Day.

He said that in addition to the increasing number of foreign nationals, the issue of human trafficking is also a matter of grave concern for the country.

He said that the Maldives is currently placed in Tier 2 in the world human trafficking ranking list, and if it descends to Tier 3 due to failure to take adequate measures to fight this issue, the country would face difficulties in seeking foreign assistance. He said that this could also impact the price of fish exported from Maldives.

He said that the government pays special attention to the issue of human trafficking, and urged parliament members to prioritise and complete work on the bill on prevention of human trafficking once the new parliament session begins.

Referring to the changes to the demographics of the country, he said that the number of school leavers and youth are increasing with every passing year. He said that unemployment among the youth has increased, and that Maldivians should be concerned about the fact that some children fail to complete grade 10 or master any skill whatsoever.

He said that the country needs to shape its industries such that employment opportunities are increased for citizens, and that serious social problems will be faced in the future if children below 18 end up alone and incompetent on the streets. He said that this is a national problem that Maldivians would have to face in the future if adequate action is not taken today to fight this problem.

Referring to the political situation in the country, he said that regardless of the level of political competition in the society, it should not hinder development for the country or be a reason for animosity between people.

He said that no Maldivian should attempt to ruin social fabric or create violence in the country, or work to damage the image of Maldives to the outside world. He said that such activities greatly damage the economy, and that no person who wishes good things for the country should involve themselves in such activities.

“One should not cast the entire country into ruins to protect just one person’s or group’s own interests. No one should attempt to damage the social fabric of the Maldives. No one should try to create violence or damage the country’s image. No one should call on tourists not to visit the country. Such activities can result in losses to the country and its economy. No citizen who loves the country, is sincere, or wishes the best for the country should participate in such activities. We have to ponder the problems faced by the country while we celebrate National Day. We have to especially take serious action against the social challenges faced by the country,” he said.