Maldives plans sweeping overhaul of disability rights law
Reform aims to strengthen disability rights by clarifying state responsibilities, expanding employment support, and improving early intervention
MALÉ, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives has begun a sweeping overhaul of its disability rights legislation, marking the country’s first major revision of the law in more than 15 years as it seeks to strengthen legal protections, improve access to public services, and promote greater economic independence for people with disabilities.
The reform, announced by the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare, aims to replace the existing 2010 law with a significantly expanded legal framework that reflects changing social realities and closes gaps that have long limited access to education, healthcare, employment, and government support.
According to Public Service Media (PSM), officials say the legislation is being rewritten through consultations with people with disabilities, disability rights advocates, technical experts, and civil society organizations.
One of the most significant changes will be assigning clear legal responsibilities to government agencies and public institutions.
While the current law recognizes broad rights to services such as education and healthcare, the revised legislation is expected to specify which institutions are responsible for delivering those services and how they will be held accountable.
The proposed law will also place greater emphasis on economic inclusion by introducing measures designed to improve employment opportunities and strengthen financial independence for people with disabilities.
Officials say the reforms will include empowerment models intended to reduce barriers to entering the workforce and expand opportunities for long-term self-reliance.
Another major addition is the creation of a nationwide system to identify disabilities during early childhood, an area largely absent from the existing legislation.
Health officials say earlier diagnosis would allow children and their families to access medical care, rehabilitation, educational support, and other interventions sooner, improving long-term outcomes while helping public institutions tailor services more effectively.
Officials argue that the current law no longer reflects the country’s needs. Since it was drafted between 2008 and 2009, awareness of disability rights has grown, public services have expanded, and expectations for accessibility and inclusion have evolved.
The government says the revised legislation will replace broadly worded provisions with clearer legal standards that define the responsibilities of public institutions and strengthen the implementation of disability rights.
If adopted, the reforms would represent one of the Maldives’ most significant disability rights initiatives in recent years, bringing its legal framework closer to international principles that emphasize accessibility, equal opportunity, and the full participation of people with disabilities in society.
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