President Mohamed Nasheed has today returned the bill on protecting the rights of people with special needs and providing financial assistance, to the People’s Majlis for reconsideration. The bill was passed by the Majlis on 21 December.

In a letter to the Speaker of the People’s Majlis, the President said that the Attorney General advised him that the bill contained articles that contradicted international standards and the international Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Attorney General Suood noted that the bill did not contain some of the rights stipulated in the convention.

Ministry of Health and Family also says the bill contains several provisions that might lead to socio-economic problems and difficulties in implementation.

In his letter to the Speaker, the President said he believed it was crucial to amend the bill in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.