top of page

Recognition of religion or belief in Maldives

According to the standards set out in the SRR, conditions for RoRB in the Republic of Maldives are classified terminal.

Recognition of religion or belief in Maldives

Overview:


  • Sunni Islam is the state denomination.

  • There exists no recognition system in the country; essentially, there is no opportunity for any non-Sunni groups to exist in Maldives; there are no procedures for either existential recognition or legal registration for any non-Islamic group but even non-Sunni Muslim groups face severe restrictions.

  • Preaching without state authorisation is illegal and there are specific requirements that a preacher must fulfil before they are given government authorisation.


Positive elements:


  • Nil.


Recommendations:


  • Complete dismantlement of the present recognition system must take place in order to resume any semblance of religious freedom in the country; this would involve the revocation of all legislation restricting religious activity and the disestablishment of Sunni Islam as the state religion if freedom of religion or belief according to international law is not securable without intervention from sharia law.

  • A new recognition system should be established in order to ensure the provision of both existential recognition and legal registration for all belief systems and across all levels of activity.

RoRB Topic
RoRB Compliance
RoRB Classification
Title
Country or territory
bottom of page