The United Nations is calling for an end to the “degrading” practice of flogging in the Maldives.

U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay said Thursday that she discussed how to end flogging with President Mohamed Nasheed and other top officials during a visit to the South Asian archipelago.

Pillay says the inhumane practice that often amounts to torture has no place in the legal framework of a democratic country. She said a public debate was needed on the issue.

The U.N. official called for the government and judiciary to issue a moratorium on flogging until a permanent ban can be put in place.

Pillay also urged the protection of women's rights and and an end to the exploitation of migrant workers, particularly those from Bangladesh. The trip was the first such visit by a U.N. high commissioner for human rights.

The Maldives has a majority-Muslim population of some 300,000.