The Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN) marked Human Rights Day 2010 in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM). MDN, with financial support from the UNDP, produced a short stage play which was displayed at the official function held by the HRCM to mark the day.

The play, which was free from a linear plotline and normal dialogue as part of its concept, portrayed short and vivid instances from random lives by way of exaggerated imageries. Human elements portrayed in the play included two innocent children, a bruised woman’s passing whim and a free thinker’s confusion. The play, which was written by two young play wrights and performed by a young cast, was a clear break from more traditional stage plays and invited the audience to use their imaginations in order to access the unseen human rights violations around us.

In addition to the play, MDN also officially launched the ‘Human Rights Defenders Manual’ at the function. The manual was launched by a member of the first ever human rights commission of the Maldives, Mr. Waheedudeen. Network of Human Rights Defenders Project Coordinator, Mr. Ismail Farhan Rasheed gave an overview of the manual in which he described both the purpose and nature of the Network as well as the contents of the manual. The manual can be downloaded here

MDN would like to thank the HRCM for providing MDN with the opportunity to participate in this year’s official Human Rights Day celebrations.