Peddling intolerance and Islamic fascism under the guise of human rights

Human history has known several movements like Communism and Nazism which have used words to mean exactly the opposite of what those words stand for in common parlance.

Such is the case with the Human Rights Commission of Maldives. Under the guise of human rights it is peddling intolerance and Islamic fascism. The annual report of this organization is a fine work of Islamic double-speak.

To begin with, I cannot fathom why a human rights report should start off as an Islamic sermon. And for most the report it just continues as a sermon.

"In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Compassionate". Praise and thanks be to Allah (Glorious and Exalted is he) who has sanctified human beings. I pray to Allah that he may bestow his peace and blessings upon Mohamed ( PBUH), The Exalted and Consecrated Above All in Both Worlds, who revealed the importance of protecting the sanctity of humans and who the beautiful example of establishing justice and equality among humans. And I include his family and companions in this prayer.”

Further reading of the report reveals that the organization is not about human rights but dedicated to aiding, abetting and enforcing bias and bigotry. Even the principle objectives of the Commission are incompatible with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

(a) To protect, preserve and promote human rights in the Maldives in accordance with Islamic Shari’ah and the Constitution of the Maldives;
(b) To protect, preserve and promote human rights in the Maldives in accordance with regional and international treaties that are binding on the Maldives; and,
(c) To assist and encourage non-governmental organizations in creating awareness and in promoting human rights.

The report stresses and emphasizes that Maldives is a 100% Islamic nation and completely ignores the existence of non-Muslims Maldivians and their rights. Of particular importance is the refusal by the Human Rights Commission of Maldives to address the amendment made last year by the Constitutional Assembly (the Special Majlis) to revoke the citizenship of all non-Muslim Maldivians. This amended constitution is expected to come into force this year. In response, this blogger wrote - “However to our relief the human rights commission of Maldives have not yet condemned the infidels for insulting Islam and Muslims by leaving Islam or have said anything supportive of beheading them.”

The sermon goes on …“In truth, the highest pinnacle of Human Right is respect for each other. If this can be maintained under the beautiful principles of Islam, protecting all other rights will become a very easy thing.” Thus we are to conclude that Islam is the remedy for human rights abuses.

The Commissioner Mr Saleem is also either lying or misinformed when he states that “the basic freedoms and rights which are also included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are perfectly included in the second chapter of the new draft constitution.” The Universal Declaration of Human Rights specifically allows freedom of religion, including changing one's religion and the Maldives new constitution clearly prohibits it.

There is also plenty of lashing out at parts of the news media and websites accusing them of creating inestimable damage through discord, libel and defamation and creating throughout society a “spirit of revenge”. To my knowledge the Commissioner has not sued anyone or party, thus reducing this rhetoric to pointless accusations of the same nature.

Of particular concern is the following paragraph:-
"Fragmentation of the political ethos and political conflicts are problems which would be solved with increasing public awareness. Political differences are issues that could be solved by dialog. On the other hand, religious divisions and differences of opinion in matters of ideology are very dangerous.
The signs of the dangers associated with this are now visible in our Maldivian community. We are now even experiencing the resulting damage. This is something which this Commission has previously expressed concern for. Finding the reasons for these religious divisions in our tiny community and taking the necessary steps regarding this, in a responsible manner is of the utmost importance.
When the number of people whose thinking and beliefs that contradict the beautiful Islamic principles are increasing, it is very important that the concerned government authorities bring out to the citizens the authentic information about religion (Islam) in a responsible manner. We would like to point out that, to save the society from religious divisions it is very important that the role played by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs be broadened.”

There already exists a 'Protection of Religious Unity of Maldivians Act' under which a person can be prosecuted and imprisoned for anything considered un- Islamic. Wearing a crucifix, owning literature of religions other than Islam, having a statue or portraits of the Buddha or Hindu deities, expressing any views either by speech or in writing which contradicts the Islamic view (as determined by the Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs) and a whole host of activities are deemed un-Islamic and can result in prosecution and incarceration.

Given that the Constitution already states that all laws should be in accordance with Islam and the Supreme Council determines what is Islam , what else does the Human Rights Commission of Maldives want when they say "the role played by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs be broadened.”?

A hierarchy of mullahs to rule the nation as in Iran?

A religious police force as in Saudi Arabia?

Well done, Commissioner. For your great work, Grand Mufti Maumoon may reward you with the post of ambassador to Iran or Saudi Arabia.