Republic of the Maldives

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives

Membership: Associate Member
Admitted: 2007 (12th Annual Meeting)

The Human Rights Commission’s Act  (Law No: 6/2006) provided for the establishment of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives.

The principle objectives of the Commission are (a) to protect, preserve and promote human rights in the Maldives in accordance with Islamic Shari’ah and the Constitution of the Maldives; (b) to protect, preserve and promote human rights in the Maldives in accordance with regional and international treaties that are binding on the Maldives; and, (c) to assist and encourage non-governmental organizations in creating awareness and in promoting human rights.

Functions and Features of the Commission

The Commission has the power to visit and observe any authority, jail or organization in the Maldives and to submit necessary recommendations regarding the reform to its functions, procedures and physical facilities which may be made necessary for the protection of human rights.

The Commission is empowered to investigate and take appropriate action, on the findings of any complaint, received from a person who suspects any of his/her human rights has been violated, or from another person or entity to that effect, or when the Commission notices such an act is being performed. The Commission can also investigate any complaint received about a government authority violating human rights and advise the government on the steps to be taken.

In the protection of human rights, the Commission may advise the government on the laws and regulations it should make and the policies that the government must adopt on the human rights aspect of such treaties. It must also research regional and international treaties, declarations and advise the government on which of them can be ratified by it. Building community awareness about human rights is another major responsibility of the Commission.

Membership

On Monday, 27th November, 2006, the President appointed new members to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. The members appointed were:

Mr. Ahmed Saleem
President

Mr. Mohamed Zahid
Vice President

Ms Maryam Azra Ahmed
Member

Mr. Ahmed Abdul Kareem
Member 

Ms Majida Majdy
Member

The appointment of the members, the President and the Vice President was made after consultation with the People’s Majlis, as required in the Human Rights Commission Act.

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