UK Advocacy Group Urges Boycott of Maldives Resorts

Friends of Maldives (FOM), the UK-based aid and campaign group, used the recent World Human Rights Day to launch a campaign to boycott 24 named resorts in the Maldives that are operated by owners known to be closely linked to the regime of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

The concept of a boycott of specific resorts in the Maldives has been developed by Maldivians who say that tourism to the specific resorts have enabled President Gayoom to maintain his power base.

FOM say they do not wish to affect the economy of the Maldives nor the fragile economic state of individual Maldivians, still struggling with the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami a year ago.

The complete list of resorts named by FOM for the boycott comprises Bandos Island Resort, Cocoa Island, Tulaagiri Island, Dhonveli Beach, Hakuraa Club, Alidhoo Resort, Dhonakulhi Resort, Paradise Island, Olhuveli Beach, Vilu Reef Beach, Kandooma Resort, Sun Island, Fun Island, Holiday Island, Royal Island, Vakarufalhi Island, Dhonimigili Resort, Biyadhoo Island, Kalhufahalafushi, Maavelaavaru, Funamadua, Coco Palm Resort, Makunudu Island and Meeru Island.

FOM also aims to improve awareness for tour operators, investors and funding institutions of the dangers and stigma attached to developing links with resorts and businesses closely associated with the regime.

Gayoom has been ruling the Maldives for 28 years and the group accuses him of human rights violations and political repression. The recent arrests of hundreds of pro-democracy activists and charges of terrorism and sedition against leading pro-democracy figures have brought condemnation by governments and human rights organizations around the world.