A/HRC/48/28
threats. They were portrayed as “anti-Islamic”, “blasphemous”, “promoting extremist
ideology”, and as a “threat to the nation”. Some posts contained threatening language such
as “Blood is boiling...teeth are clenching...Fists are shaking”. Due to the continued serious
threats, MDN’s members Ms. Shahindha Ismail, Ms. Azra Naseem, Mr. Mushfiq Mohamed
and Mr. Leevan Sharif have relocated abroad.
90.
On 12 August 2021, the Government responded to the note verbale sent in connection
to the present report. Regarding the Maldives Human Rights Commission, the Government
acknowledged that the 2015 Supreme Court decision negatively impacted the independent
functioning of the Commission and constituted an unjustified encroachment of its freedom
of expression. The Government noted that legislative amendments have now been enacted
reinstating and reinforcing the Commission’s authority to independently operate as the
National Human Rights Institution of Maldives. As such, the Human Rights Commission Act
was enacted into law on 22 September 2020.
91.
Regarding the MDN, the Government referred to the detailed reply submitted to
mandate holders on the decisions made concerning the report published by the MDN. The
Government reiterated that the decision was not reached arbitrarily, but after completing due
process involving a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the Maldives Police
Service.
18.
Mexico
92.
The case of Mr. Felipe Hinojo Alonso was included in the 2020 report of the
Secretary-General 200 on allegations of intimidation, threats and surveillance for his
cooperation with the UN in the documentation of alleged violations in the state of
Aguascalientes. According to information received by OHCHR, threats against Mr. Hinojo
Alonso have persisted during the reporting period due to his documentation and public
advocacy of torture-related cases, and for his cooperation with authorities, such as the Federal
Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the National Human Rights Commission and the UN,
including OHCHR in Mexico. Threats have reportedly originated from authorities in the state
of Aguascalientes, including telephone calls urging Mr. Hinojo Alonso to hide or be cautious
that “some people want to harm him.” OHCHR in Mexico is in contact with relevant
authorities.
93.
The case of Ms. Alma Delia Reyna, a defender working on the rights of women
deprived of liberty, was included in the 2020 report of the Secretary-General201 following
threats and attacks against her and her family due to her collaboration with OHCHR in
Mexico. The attacks included the kidnapping and abuse of her son, who was finally released.
According to information received by OHCHR, during the reporting period Ms. Reyna fled
her hometown with her family due to the high security risk to her and her close relatives. The
local authorities have reportedly lost the records of the investigation of her son’s kidnapping,
generating doubts about its effectiveness. Ms. Reyna and other members of her family are
reportedly suffering from severe distress and have reportedly not received protection or other
type of support from the relevant authorities. OHCHR in Mexico is in contact with relevant
authorities.
19.
Morocco
94.
The case of Ms. Aminatou Haidar, of the Collectif des Défenseurs Sahraouis des
Droits de l’Homme, was included in the 2020 report of the Secretary-General 202 on
allegations of threats, attacks and online stigmatization for her ongoing engagement with the
UN. On 7 January 2021, special procedures mandate holders addressed allegations of
harassment and increased surveillance by police since September 2020 following the
establishment by Ms. Haidar of a new association in Laayoune, the Sahrawi Organ against
200
201
202
68
A/HRC/45/36, para. 86, Annex I, para. 76.
A/HRC/45/36, para. 86, Annex I, para. 77.
A/HRC/45/36, para. 88, Annex I paras. 79–81.