Maldives rejoins The Commonwealth after 3 year gap
The Maldives was officially reintegrated into the Commonwealth on Saturday. Maldives separated from the Commonwealth on the issue of human rights about three years ago. Maldives has rejoined the Commonwealth at a time when Britain broke away from the European Union after being a member for 47 years.
The Maldives seceded from the Commonwealth after being warned of suspension over its human rights record and lack of progress on democratic reform. Maldives requested to rejoin the Commonwealth in December 2018 when its President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih wrote a letter to Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.
Baroness Scotland welcomed the Maldives and its people to the Commonwealth, saying, ‘The ongoing reform process in Maldives is in line with Commonwealth values and principles and we encourage the country to continue on this path’. She said, “Members of the Commonwealth are happy about these developments and are happy to count Maldives as family members.” Together we will support Maldives in realizing its ambitions. ‘
India was one of the countries that supported the country’s entry into the Commonwealth. President of Maldives, Solih said, ‘Today is a happy day for the people of Maldives as we have returned to the family of Commonwealth countries. As a young democracy, the Commonwealth’s fundamental values of democracy, human rights, good governance, multilateralism and the promotion of world peace are more relevant to us than ever before. ‘
