The Maldives has championed human rights, President Mohamed Muizzu's regime declared at the 80th UN General Assembly, despite a call by the UN to repeal the unconstitutional media control law.
Foreign Minister Abdullah Khaleel delivered the speech on behalf of the government. He said human rights should not be used as a weapon for political and diplomatic gain.
"Maldives will continue to champion the core principles of human rights, including ensuring environmental protection, equality and making the voices of the youth heard," Khaleel said.
He stated that the World Summit for Social Development in Qatar in November should redefine the social standards. He mentioned some things as essential rights, but did not name freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
The UN called on the government to repeal the media control law last week. The agency said the draconian law, which restricts freedom of expression, violated international conventions signed by the Maldives.
"UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk appeals to the authorities to repeal the legislation and offers the Office’s assistance to the Maldives in ensuring any media reforms comply with its international human rights obligations," a statement read.
It added that the "new law follows a worrying erosion of institutional checks and balances in the past year."
The European Union (EU), the United States and the United Kingdom have also expressed concern about the law. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have also called for the law to be repealed.
But a government delegation was sent abroad, using the people's tax money, to carry out disinformation to the international community and promote the restrictive law. Ministers and MPs have also carried out a disinformation campaign on social media.
