On 16 July 2018, the EU adopted a framework (Council Regulation (EU) 2018/1001Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/1006) to impose targeted sanctions (travel bans and asset freezes) against persons and entities who are responsible for “undermining the rule of law or obstructing an inclusive political solution in the Maldives”, as well as those responsible for “serious human rights violations or abuses”. The relevant EU press release on this framework can be found here. This framework is a direct follow-up to the EU conclusions adopted on 26 February 2018 in which the EU called on the competent Maldivian institutions to “immediately lift the State of Emergency, and restore all constitutionally guaranteed rights”.

For additional information, please contact Ross L. Denton.