THE government of the Maldives has hit out at claims over alleged human rights abuses in some resorts.


Tourists travelling to the Maldives were warned by a campaign group to avoid certain resorts over allegations of human rights abuses.

The Ethical Maldives Alliance has listed a number of resorts that it wants tourists to consult before travelling in a bid to get "visitors to protect democracy in the country".

Resorts on the list are said to either be directly or indirectly linked to human rights abuses.

It said in a statement: "The Maldives has a long and sad history of political oppression and human rights abuses.

"Most tourists to the islands remain blissfully unaware of the realities of life for the local population.

"Money from tourism provides the bulwark of support to a government with a known record of intimidation and oppression."

The website of the group has colour coded a number of popular resorts, those marked red on the website are deemed as "high risk" whereas those that are green are considered low risk resorts, orange resorts on the other hand are "under consideration".

However the Government of the Maldives has hit back at the claims, suggesting there is no substantial evidence for the abuses.

Acting High Commissioner of the Maldives, Hassan Shifau told Express.co.uk: "The Government of Maldives will always remain committed to promoting development, human rights and ethical values we hold dear.

"Over the past years, the Government of Maldives has implemented a significant number of measures to promote and preserve human rights in the country."
 

He added that there was no grounding for the claims of the Ethical Maldives Alliance and that it was attempting to 'undermine' the country's democratic institutions.

He continued: "I would assure you that all Maldivians feel privileged that people travel from around the wrold to visit our unique island nation, and any visitor to the Maldives can look forward to a warm welcome and enjoyable stay no matter where they stay."

• View the list of "high risk" and approved resorts in the Maldives ethicalmaldives.com