Family Legal Clinic Receives Threats, NGOs Raise Concerns

The Family Legal Clinic (FLC) has been targeted by threats of property damage and harm to staff, prompting concerns from various NGOs. 

The acts of intimidation directed at the clinic’s staff and property have been strongly condemned by these advocacy groups, which emphasise the importance of ensuring security and respect for organisations working towards justice and advocating for the rights of vulnerable individuals in society. 

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In response, the NGOs are urging the authorities to take immediate action to address the situation.

“We are deeply concerned by the constant and increasing threats to the staff and property of Family Legal Clinic,” Transparency Maldives tweeted.

We are deeply concerned by the constant and increasing threats to the staff and property of @FLCmv.

NGOs like @FLCmv working to increase access to justice, play a crucial role in supporting survivors of gender- based violence. https://t.co/YG3XpvKd6x— Transparency MV (@TransparencyMV) July 11, 2023

In a statement released on July 11, 2023, the Family Legal Clinic reported that on June 7, 2023, they filed a police report regarding a threat they received. The threat not only targeted the physical destruction of the clinic’s office but also posed a serious risk to the lives of their legal team. 

Regrettably, the threats have persisted and escalated in intensity since then, adversely affecting the clinic’s operations and the well-being of its personnel.

“NGOs/ CSOs advocating for access to justice, and speaking for the rights of the vulnerable in the society deserves security and respect,” Hope for Women, an NGO dedicated to gender equality, also tweeted.

We condemn the threats to the staff and property of @FLCmv.

NGOs/ CSOs advocating for access to justice, and speaking for the rights of the vulnerable in the society deserves security & respect. We urge authorities to take the necessary measures imminently. https://t.co/fSOeTFXvZY— Hope for Women (@HopeforWomenmv) July 11, 2023

This disconcerting situation highlights the absence of a protective environment for civil society organisations, particularly those dedicated to enhancing access to justice in all areas. 

The FLC underscored the need for the authorities to take decisive measures to ensure the safety of individuals engaged in this crucial work within their respective communities.