UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW OF MALDIVES

Broken Chalk has drafted the report that follows. This is a stakeholder contribution to the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for the Maldives. This report will focus on the right to education in the Maldives, as Broken Chalk aims to combat human rights violations in the educational field. 

In the Maldives, schooling is mandatory for children aged 4 to 16, with free education guaranteed for preschool, primary, and secondary education. The educational system is structured into multiple levels:  pre-primary, primary, lower secondary, higher secondary, and tertiary education. Private and public institutions have formed the national education system. i

Although there is decentralization in addressing the geographically dispersed populations, the education system in the Maldives is centrally managed by the Ministry of Education, which sets national standards, policies, and curricula. The Ministry retains primary authority, adhering to national priorities and maintaining uniform quality. ii

The Maldives has articulated multiple goals for its educational system, focusing on quality, inclusivity, gender equality, and alignment with global standards. The government aimed to address the disparities in educational outcomes between urban and rural areas, with a focus on providing quality education for individuals with disabilities. iii With the aid of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, the Maldives launched the Maldives Education Management Information System, aiming to track educational development and ensure a high level of quality education. iv

Despite advancements, the Maldives’ educational system still faces significant challenges, including geographical challenges that further complicate the equality of education between remote and urban island communities, as well as the recruitment and retention of qualified educators. v

Furthermore, gender inequality persists as young women are restricted due to cultural and socio-economic barriers. vi

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with local education stakeholders, has designated Equity and Inclusion as the key reform agenda and established a roadmap for transforming the education system. In partnership with UNICEF and the World Bank, the government has secured US$9.5 million through the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to support education and learning transformation in the Maldives. vii

The key elements of this agenda (THAIBA) include promoting inclusive education, enhancing basic literacy and numeracy skills, and integrating digital learning and transferable skills. Additionally, the reform focuses on creating multiple learning pathways that emphasize 21st-century skills, improving the quality of teaching, and establishing safe learning environments within schools. viii

 

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References

i Ministry of Education. English Translation of Education Act 24/2020. Ministry of Education | Official Website, February 20, 2022. https://www.moe.gov.mv/storage/files/resources/English_translation_of_Education_Act.pdf.  

ii ibid 

iii United Nations Human Rights Council. ”Universal Periodic Review – Maldives.” Official Document System – UN, November 4, 2020. https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g20/056/44/pdf/g2005644.pdf.  

iv UNICEF. ”Education Maldives.” UNICEF, 2020. https://www.unicef.org/maldives/what-we-do/education#programme-solution.  

v Corporate Maldives. ”World Teachers’ Day 2024: Celebrating the Voices Shaping Maldives’ Future.” Corporate Maldives, October 5, 2024. https://corporatemaldives.com/world-teachers-day-2024-celebrating-the-voices-shaping-maldives-future/.   

vii Ministry of Education, UNICEF, and World Bank. 2023. “Towards a More Inclusive and Equitable Education and Learning for Every Child.” UNICEF Maldives. September 7, 2023. https://www.unicef.org/maldives/press-releases/towards-more-inclusive-and-equitable-education-and-learning-every-child. 

viii ibid 

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