It seems like an idyllic smattering, with nothing more to worry about than sun, sea, sand and where the next cocktail is coming from. But one organisation is asking tourists to investigate before heading to the exclusive holiday destination to ensure they are not visiting a resort associated with human rights abuses. Known for pristine beaches and crystal clear water, the Maldives has recently come under scrutiny after the country's former president, Mohammad Nasheed, was found guilty of terrorism charges earlier this year. Ethical Maldives Alliance is encouraging tourists to boycott 'high risk' resorts linked to human rights abuses . Now, the Ethical Maldives Alliance is encouraging tourists to consider the instability in the region when booking their accommodation. The Alliance has crafted a list of over 100 well-known hotels and is urging visitors to consult the guide before travelling. Although very little detail is provided when it comes to the Alliance's rationale for dubbing certain resorts to be 'high risk,' it has colour-coded the hotels into three categories. Those to be avoided are labelled red, those coded as green are considered to be 'low risk' and orange hued businesses are 'under consideration.' 'While okay to visit in the short term, there is a possibility that they will be on the 'to avoid' list in the longer term,' the website reads. 'Therefore, early reservations for visits later in the year should be avoided.' The group claims that the 'red' or 'orange' resorts are directly or indirectly linked to human rights abuses. Hotels are coded as 'low risk,' 'high risk, or 'under consideration' depending on their ties to corruption . By boycotting, the alliance hopes that tourists will help to make a difference in protecting and promoting democracy, while not adversely effecting the Maldivian economy. 'With a long and sad history of corruption, political oppression and human rights abuses, Maldives' first attempts at democratic reform are now faltering,' a statement on the Alliance's website reads. Crime is reportedly on the rise as a result of support for 'extreme gangs,' which are supported by police to suppress any dissent. 'Uncontrolled corruption starting at the very top of all branches of government filters down through all levels of society, making life very difficult for the average Maldivian.' Though most resorts are categorised as 'low risk,' Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is listed as one to avoid . While most resorts are categorised as 'low risk,' several top name hotels have been included on the Alliance's list of those to avoid. Among them, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. 'Ethical Maldives evaluates resorts and other businesses on ethics-based criteria,' the website reads. 'These include owners' support for governments that perpetuate corruption, intimidation and oppression, measures relevant to the environment and social responsibility.' In response to allegations presented by The Ethical Maldives Association, the High Commission of the Maldives told MailOnline Travel: 'Resorts appear to be categorised not on the basis of any practices in their resorts, but on the basis of alleged links of their owners to the Government of the Maldives. 'With only two resort groups targeted and very little information about the identities of those behind 'The Ethical Maldives Alliance,' it is difficult to discern the true intentions and objectives of the website. 'Over the past months, the Maldives' young democratic institutions have proven themselves in challenging circumstances, while the Government of the Maldives has maintained a positive, engagement-first approach with international stakeholders. 'The Government of the Maldives will always remain committed to promoting development, human rights and the ethical values that we all hold dear.' MailOnline has reached out to both the Ethical Maldives Alliance and a spokesperson for the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort for comment.
The organisation has classified over 100 resorts into 'risk' categories . Urges boycott of those considered to have 'high risk' of corruption . Among those listed to avoid is the popular Conrad Maldives Rangali Island .