Destination Risk Register

The Republic of Maldives is a multiparty constitutional democracy. Observers consider the elections mostly free and fair despite a flawed pre-election process in the last elections, which was overseen by the former administration. Parliamentary elections were well administered and transparent according to local and international observers. The government took steps to investigate officials who committed human rights abuses. The government and judicial system were slow to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption.

The overall score indicates that serious violations of human rights happen in this country. Compliance with human rights standards cannot be assumed. High caution should be exercised. Relevant risks for the tourism sector are, e.g.:

• Significant restrictions on workers' freedom of association
• Lack of investigation of and accountability for gender-based violence
• Existence and use of laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults