Human Rights Commission of the Maldives

Last Updated: Sunday, 28-June-2009 16:40

HRCM Holds Quarterly Press Conference

News | 28 June 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives held a press conference today to give information to the media about the current activities of the Commission as well as some issues of concern to HRCM. In this press conference the Commission also released the fourth edition of its newsletter 'Haqqu' and also officially launched the Human Rights Poster Competition for School Children.

In this press conference the President of HRCM Mr. Ahmed Saleem spoke about the major activities of the Commission. He highlighted on the establishment of the NGO network, the media campaign against child abuse, which the Commission is working along with NGOs and other concerned authorities, as well as the two human rights awareness workshops held in the atolls in the past two months.

Saleem also spoke of some issues of concern for HRCM at the press conference. He noted that the cases of defamation against the Commission as unlawful, as clearly stated under article 27(a) of the HRCM Act. He also expressed concern over false allegations directed HRCM which attempts to question the integrity of the Commission. Saleem said that the Commission has the power to take legal against such persons but the Commission does not intend to undertake any such action as HRCM believes in winning respect of the public through its work and would not resort to threat.

HRCM also expressed its concern over the delay in the court cases submitted by the Commission.

HRCM Expresses Concern Over the Situation in Thimarafushi

News | 27 June 2009

Human Rights commission of the Maldives has issued a press release expressing concern over the issue of impeding circumstances for the DRP candidate for the Thimarafushi constituency, denying the right to campaign guaranteed under Article 28(a) of the General Elections Act.

According to article 41(a) of the National Constitution, everyone is entitled to the freedom of movement within Maldives. The Commission has called upon the concerned authorities to take legal action against the people obstructing the entry to Thimarafushi, blocking the entrance channel.

The Commission continues to receive several complaints regarding the difficulties faced by the people in Thimarafushi including women and children who are unable to leave the island for their basic needs, as well as on board the vessels which have been denied entry.

HRCM Commences Human Rights Awareness workshop in Baa Atoll

News | 23 June 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has begun its awareness workshop on human rights in Baa Atoll today. The Vice president of the Commission Mr. Mohamed Zahid addressed the participants at a function held to inaugurate the workshop.

This workshop is aimed at senior staff and will be conducted from 23-25 June 2009. The workshop will be facilitated by HRCM members and staff.

This is the tenth human rights awareness workshop the Commission is conducting for the senior staffs in atolls.

HRCM Launches Human Rights Poster Competition

HRCM's Human Rights Poster Competition which is being conducted in all schools of Maldives. This event which is conducted as a part of Commission's mandate to educate and raise awareness about human rights related issues, is open to all students nation wide belonging to the age groups 11-13, 14-16 and 17-19.

Consultation Meeting on the Draft Regional Strategic Paper on SAARC Convention on Trafficking in Person

News | 17 June 2009

HRCM member Mariyam Azra Ahmed has left for Kathmandu, Nepal to attend a consultation meeting on the Draft Regional Strategic paper on SAARC Convention on Trafficking in person - Review and current Status, which will be held on 18th June 2009.

Maldives is a member of the Regional Coordination Group (RCG), which was constituted to undertake a regional study to identify the gaps and limitations in the SAARC Convention and to suggest recommendations.

Human Rights Defenders training program

News | 17 June 2009

A team from HRCM, which consists of five staffs from different departments, is attending a week long- training program which is being held from 15-19 June, in Kathmandu, Nepal. The training program which aims to build knowledge and ideas to better support and protect human defenders is being hosted by the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal. Representatives from four APF (Asia Pacific Forum) member institutions, including representatives from the national human rights institutions of India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan will participate in the training.

The Human Rights Defenders training program which was developed in collaboration with the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) will be conducted by experts from the ISHR with additional input from APF staff.

Police Reform, Internal Security and the Rule of Law: Experiences in Germany

News | 17 June 2009

HRCM's Complaints Department Director, Ali Nashath Hameed is attending a program, "Police Reform, Internal Security and the Rule of Law: Experiences in Germany", which is being held from 13 to 20 June 2009, in the Federal Republic of Germany. The program will be attended by representatives of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and members of the South Asian Network of the NGOs on Police Reform.

During this program participants will learn about the police force in Germany as an integral part of the rule of law structures, how the force fulfils its role in a democracy, how reform processes are tackled in Germany and how civil society organizations have made and can make a contribution.

HRCM Releases its Report on Feydhoofinolhu Low Risk Jail

News | 11 June 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has released a report based on its preventive visit conducted on 7 May 2009, to Feydhoofiinolhu Low Risk Jail.

The report found that the feydhoofinolhu Jail does not comply at all with Prison Act as well as the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and thus the report has been sent to the concerned authorities with the recommendation to run the jail only with accordance to the Prison Act and that of international best practices.

This visit was conducted by the National Preventive Mechanism established under the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, as stipulated under the Optional Protocol in the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Punishment or Treatment.

First Hearing of HRCM case against Maldives Airports Company

News | 4 June 2009

The first court hearing of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives' case against the Maldives Airports Company Ltd was held yesterday at the civil court. Last month HRCM decided to take action against the public limited company for not complying with a Commission order following a complaint filed at the Commission against the company, regarding the undue termination of employment of a staff of the Maldives Airports Company Ltd.

HRCM team in Raa Atoll

News | 02 June 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives team has begun its awareness workshop on human rights in Raa Atoll today. The chief guest of the function held in Ungoofaaru, to mark the opening of the ceremony was the Assistant to the Atoll Chief Mr. Abdulla Rasheed. This workshop is aimed at Atoll level administrative staff and will be conducted from 2-4 June 2009. The workshop will be facilitated by HRCM members and staff.

HRCM Releases its Report on Drug Rehabilitation Center

News | 02 June 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has released a report based on its preventive visit conducted on 29 April 2009, to K. Himmafushi Drug Rehabilitation Center, managed by the Drug Rehabilitation Services of Department of Medical Services, under Ministry of Health and Family on 29 April 2009.

The report which puts forward 14 recommendations has been presented to the concerned authorities.

HRCM Expresses Concern Regarding Release of Suspected Pedophiles

News | 31 May 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has issued a press release expressing its concern over the increase in reported cases of child abuse as well as the increasing leniency exercised by the courts in releasing suspected pedophiles without fully considering the subsequent impact of their release on the safety and security of the victims and their families.

The press release refers to Article 49 of the Constitution, which confers on the courts the power to keep suspects in custody if their release may endanger public safety. The Commission believes Article 49 authorises the courts to keep suspected pedophiles in custody and called upon the courts to fully consider the provisions of Article 49, and to exercise this power to detain suspected pedophiles in custody during the period of trial.

In addition the Commission also called upon the People's Majlis to expedite an Act on pedophiles and child abusers.

HRCM Congratulates New MPs

News | 28 May 2009

HRCM releases its report on Preventive Visit to Maafushi Jail

News | 25 May 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has released a report based on its monitoring visit conducted to K. Maafushi Jail, managed by the Department of Penitentiary and Rehabilitation services under the Ministry of Home Affairs, on 28 April 2009.

The Commission found that currently no rehabilitation activities are being conducted in the Jail. The report which puts forward 18 recommendations has been presented to the concerned authorities.

This visit was conducted by the National Preventive Mechanism established under the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, as stipulated under the Optional Protocol of the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Punishment or Treatment.

HRCM to Take Action Against a Public Limited Company

News | 21 May 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives is to take action against a public limited company for not complying with a Commission order.

According to articles 36 and 26 of the Commission Act, all persons and entities within the jurisdiction of the Maldives are obligated to follow orders issued by the Commission to protect and preserve fundamental rights and freedoms afforded under the Constitution, Islamic Shariah, and the international human rights instruments that the Maldives is party to.

The case was submitted to court on 19 May 2009, and the Court is expected to announce a date for the first hearing soon.

HRCM congratulates the new members of the Peoples Majlis and urges them and the government to work together for the benefit of the people and the country

The HRCM congratulates the newly elected Members of the Peoples Majlis, and urges the Members to work together with Government for the benefit of the people and the country.

National Consultation on Human Trafficking

News | 13 May 2009

A National Consultation to prepare a paper to review the SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Woman and Children for Prostitution, was held today, 13 May 2009 at the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. The meeting was held in collaboration with International Organization for Migration, Dhaka, Bangladesh with assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Vice President of HRCM leaves for Malawi

News | 11 May 2009

The Vice President of HRCM, Mr. Mohamed Zahid has left for Malawi today, at the request of the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, to be a member of the Commonwealth Observer Group for the forthcoming elections in Malawi.

The elections in Malawi are scheduled for 19 May. The Commonwealth team consists of eleven members, Chaired by a former Head of State. The team will be in Malawi from 12 to 26 May 2009.

HRCM Meets UN Expert Delegation

News | 07 May 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives met with the UN Mission visiting Maldives to assess the upcoming Parliamentary Elections, at HRCM today. The meeting which was held at the request of the UN expert delegation, was to inquire about the work done by HRCM regarding the Parliamentary Elections of the Maldives to be held on Saturday 9th May.

In this meeting HRCM members expressed their concerns with regard to the Commission's findings from the pre-election assessment conducted recently. This meeting was attended by the President and Vice President of the Commission.

HRCM President congratulates President Mohamed Nasheed

News | 07 May 2009

The President of the HRCM, Mr Ahmed Saleem, has sent a letter to the President of Maldives H. E. Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, congratulating him on receiving the 'Anna Lindh' prize for 2009, a human rights award created in the name of the late Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh.

In this letter, the President of HRCM said that he believes that this prize has been awarded to President Nasheed not only for his efforts to include human rights in his campaign to fight climate change but also for his role in the democratization process in Maldives.

This prize, the HRCM believes, should serve as an encouragement for President Nasheed to create a culture that respects human rights and democracy. Great efforts are still needed to sustain what has been achieved during a relatively short time since the ratification of the constitution in August last year. The HRCM hopes that the President would remain steadfast in his commitment to uphold democracy and human rights in the country.

HRCM Appeals for Peaceful Poll- Free of Undue Influence and Fear

News | 06 May 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has issued a press release today appealing for peaceful parliamentary elections on 9 May 2009. In the press release the Commission urged all candidates and their supporters, political parties and all concerned authorities to responsibly work towards making the upcoming elections free, fair and peaceful. HRCM also expressed its serious concern over the exercise of undue influence over voters, by influential candidates, political parties and political appointees; exploiting the fundamental right to vote. The press release also highlighted the Commissions concern over the issue of unlawful use of children in campaign related activities in the parliamentary elections.

Further the Commission also called upon all citizens above 18 years to exercise their right to vote.

Seven HRCM teams will be delegated to the atolls including that of Male' on election day. HRCM believes that the right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights of an individual in any democracy.

HRCM meets with Commonwealth Expert Delegation

News | 06 May 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives met with the election observation team designated to the Maldives by the Commonwealth, yesterday. The meeting which was held at the request of the Commonwealth expert delegation, was to inquire about the work done by HRCM regarding the upcoming Parliamentary Elections of the Maldives.

HRCM Vice President Attends Regional Workshop on Establishing NHRIs

News | 05 May 2009

The Vice President of Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Zahid, represented HRCM at regional workshop to discuss issues around the establishment of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in their island states. The workshop co-organized by the Asia Pacific Forum, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, was held in Samoa from 27-29 April 2009.

The objective of this workshop was to contribute to the dialogue on human rights in the Pacific by engaging government representatives, parliamentarians, public officials and member of civil society groups.

The workshop also was a forum to share lessons learned from NHRIs around the region, especially the experience of NHRIs on small island states. The Vice President of HRCM Mr. Mohamed Zahid shared the experiences of the Commission with the participants in this forum.

HRCM Facilitates Training in Eydhafushi to Assist The Establishment of a Child Protection Group

News | 30 April 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has facilitated a training conducted by local NGO, Ensure in Baa atoll Eydhafushi. The objective of this training was to train a group of 17 participants on establishing a child protection group in Eydhafushi. The purpose of establishing such a group is to work for the prevention of child abuse in the community.

HRCM Conducts Sessions on Human Rights at Two Police Trainings

News | 30 April 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has conducted sessions on human rights at two trainings carried by Maldives Police Services. On 27 April 2009 Commission members and staff conducted a lecture on human rights and election related issues for security staff of Maldives Polices Services who will be deployed across the nation on 9 May 2009, for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

A similar training session was also conducted at Police Training School based in Seenu Atoll Hithadhoo, on the same day.

HRCM publicizes NPM report on Guraidhoo visit

News | 22 April 2009

The National Preventive Mechanism established under the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has released its report on K.Guraidhoo, Home for People with Special Needs today. This report is based on NPM's visit to the center on 2 April 2009. This visit was a follow-up to assess the implementation of the recommendations proposed by the Commission on 14 August 2008.

The report is based upon 11 recommendations which include the transfer of a person related to drug abuse residing illegitimately at the Center, to family care or a rehabilitation center immediately.

HRCM Meets With Male' Municipality

News | 22 April 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has met with the president and senior staff of Male Municipality yesterday, regarding the health and environmental issues caused by the recent fire incident at the Male' waste dump yard where all waste materials are kept before being transferred to Thilafushi. The objective of this meeting was to request for an immediate solution to the health and environmental hazards posed by the toxic fumes resulting from the fire.

On 20 April 2009, fifteen parents concerned parents of Imaadhudheen School met with HRCM to discuss this issue and the fact that the school has been coerced to close temporarily as a result of health issues being faced by the students due these toxic fumes.

HRCM has also discussed the issue with concerned government authorities in order to review the deliberations made by these authorities regarding this matter.

HRCM announces establishment of NGO network

News | 20 April 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has begun work to establish a network of communication and co-operation among NGOs involved in the field of human rights in the Maldives.

HRCM President Delivers his Statement at the Human Rights Conference in New Delhi

News | 16 April 2009

The President of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives' Mr. Ahmed Saleem has delivered a statement at the Regional Conference of South Asian Countries on' Human Rights Awareness and Capacity Building of National Human Rights Institutions' being held in New Delhi' India. The conference organized by the National Human Rights Commission of India is scheduled to be conducted from 15-19 April 2009. At this conference HRCM will be presenting four papers on (1) Legal framework for Promotion and protection of Human Rights, (2) Institutional Arrangements for Promotion and protection of Human Rights, (3) Building Human Rights Awareness and, (4) International Cooperation.

Along with the President of the Commission, a Commission member and senior staff will be attending this conference.

HRCM team in Dhaalu Atoll

News | 13 April 2009

The human Rights Commission of the Maldives team has left to Dhaalu Atoll Kudahuvadhoo today to conduct an awareness workshop on human rights. This workshop is aimed at Atoll level administrative staff and will be conducted from 13-14 April 2009. The workshop will be facilitated by HRCM members and staff.

The Commission will also be hosting a public forum in Kudahuvadhoo tonight at 8:30 in the evening, in order to raise public awareness on the fundamental right to vote as part of HRCM's voter education campaign for the upcoming Parliamentary Elections 2009.

HRCM welcomes Election Commission Decision

News | 07 April 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has welcomed the decision by Elections Commission (EC) to make provisions for Diaspora voting in the upcoming Parliamentary Elections 2009.

HRCM believes that with this decision Maldives has taken a huge stride towards establishing a democratic society, as the right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights in a democracy.

HRCM is a member of the National Advisory Committee to the Elections Commission.

HRCM Issues Press Release on Maafushi Jail Situation

News | 02 April 2009

HRCM has issued a press release on the situation of Maafushi Jail.

HRCM Releases Report on Causes for Increase in Incidents of Crime

News | 31 March 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has released its report on causes for increase in incidents of crime in the country.

This report is based on a survey conducted by the HRCM to assess the causes for increase in incidents of crime in society. The report consists of 53 recommendations made to the concerned state authorities, the judicial bodies and civil society. Speaking at the press briefing held to publish the report, the President of HRCM, Mr. Ahmed Saleem stated that the core of this serious social problem is the fact that laws and regulations required to fully uphold the rule of law is yet to be discussed and approved by the parliament. He added that, as a result persons who commit serious and organized crimes continue to repeatedly abuse the law and continue to do so without being penalized thus being also deprived of the opportunity for rehabilitation.

In the function held to release the report HRCM also announced the criteria for its Human Rights Award 2009 and released the third edition of the Commission's newsletter 'Haqqu'.

HRCM Conducts Human Rights Awareness Workshop for Facilitators of Life Skills Program

News | 25 March 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives in collaboration with Education Development Center has conducted a Human Rights awareness workshop for facilitators of life skills program. The objective of this training was to facilitate the promotion and protection of human rights in the education sphere and raise awareness on rights and responsibilities. Speaking at a function held to mark the opening of this workshop, the Vice President of HRCM, Mr. Mohamed Zahid stated that, teachers can play an integral role in establishing a culture of respect for human rights in society. He also welcomed this initiative by facilitators of life skills program to incorporate human rights and responsibilities into their very central role in shaping the future of our children.

Sessions on Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Convention in the Rights of the Child, Human Rights and Health, Islam and Human Rights and the roles and functions of the HRCM will be addressed in this training. This training was facilitated by Commission members and staff.

HRCM President attends ICC22 in Geneva

News | 24 March 2009

The President of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, Mr. Ahmed Saleem is attending the 22nd Session of the International Coordinating Committee of the National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC22) meeting in Geneva, which is being held 23-27 March 2009. The highlights of the this meeting include sessions on NHRI Engagement at the International and Regional Levels, NHRIs and the OP-ICESCR, ICC Action Planning, Workshop on NHRI Interaction with International Human Rights Mechanisms. The regional meeting conducted by the Asia Pacific Forum would include in the activities of HRCM at the regional level.

NHRIs participating in this meeting have also been invited to attend the 10th Session of the Human Rights Council.

HRCM calls for good practice in making use of the right to strike

News | 19 March 2009

HRCM Conducts Sessions on Human Rights for 24 Prison Officers in Maafushi

News | 19 March 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives is conducting a human rights awareness workshop in K. Maafushi, as part of the induction training for the newly recruited 24 prison officers of the Department Penitentiary and Rehabilitation Services.

The objective of this one day training programme is to create awareness on human rights. The training would include sessions in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Convention against Torture, and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment, Islam and Human Rights as well as the role of Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. The training team includes a Commission member and some Commission Staff.

This is the second training conducted by HRCM for prison officers this year.

HRCM meets with Male' Municipality

News | 19 March 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives held a meeting with Maleâ€™ Municipality this morning. The objective of this meeting was to discuss policies and regulations adopted by the Municipality in housing, construction and their correlation between housing rights as well as other basic human rights.

In addition the Commission also discussed issues highlighted by various complaints filed at the Commission relating to adequate housing.

In 2008 the HRCM received 72 complaints regarding housing rights. On 20 November 2008 the Commission released a report titled 'Rapid Assessment of the Housing Situation in the Maldives' based on adequate housing issues.

HRCM has released a press release welcoming the ongoing joint operation by the Police and MNDF

News | 12 March 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has issued a press release welcoming the joint operation by the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), to apprehend and arrest persons who have committed and continue to commit serious and organized crimes in the country in order to reduce the increase in such incidents.

In this press release, the Commission has highlighted various measures and actions taken by the HRCM, foreseeing the intensification of this very concerning social problem. The Commission also stated that these measures have been proposed by the Commission to the government repeatedly over the past year. HRCM called upon these authorities to take immediate and necessary steps to prevent crime in the country and assured the government of its full support in this endeavour.

HRCM releases report on Male' Immigration Detention Center

News | 08 March 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has released a report based on its inspection visit conducted to Male Immigration Detention Center, managed by the Expatriate Monitoring Center under the Department of Immigration and Emigration, on 9 February 2009.

HRCM Releases Its Annual Report

News | 25 February 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has released its 2008 Annual report at a press conference held at the Commission today. This report highlights the work done by the Commission in the previous year. In this briefing the Commission also responded to several concerns raised by the media.

The 2008 Annual Report of the Commission will be available in English shortly.

Annual Report 2008

News | 25 February 2009

HRCM Issues Press Release Calling for Immediate Action to Take Measures to Protect the Rights of Children

News | 23 February 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has issued a press release condemning the appalling acts of long term sexual abuse of more than thirty five under aged boys by an alleged pedophile arrested on 13 February 2009 by Maldives Police Services.

The Commission has called for an immediate and thorough investigation of this case, and if proven guilty, to expedite legal action and to punish him to the fullest extent allow by the law. The Commission in its press release has also called upon the state to take all measures to advance the legal process in all cases of child abuse as stated under article 50 of the Maldivian Constitution. HRCM also affirmed that it is the state responsibility to fulfill its obligations towards the protection of the child as stated under article 35 of the Maldivian constitution as well as that of article 35 under Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Commission also called upon Judicial bodies to consider the impact on the safety and security of society before relocating offenders of such heinous crimes back to society as stipulated under articles 48 and 49 of the Constitution.

UN Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing praises HRCM on Assessment of the Housing Situation in Maldives

News | 19 February 2009

UN special rapporteur on adequate housing Ms. Raquel Rolnik has met with members and some staff of Human Rights Commission of the Maldives yesterday.

UN special rapporteur on adequate housing Ms. Raquel Rolnik has met with members and some staff of Human Rights Commission of the Maldives yesterday. In this meeting Ms. Rolnik commended the work done by the Commission on assessing the housing situation of the Maldives. She stated that the report 'Rapid Assessment of the Housing situation in the Maldives' is a great evaluation of the situation and she believes that it is a valuable contribution to the concerned authorities that can be used as tool to plan out ways to alleviate the problem on adequate housing in Maldives. In this meeting discussions were held regarding the current situation on housing and shelter in the Maldives, main problems at the core on housing, proposed solutions to the problem as identified in HRCM report and updates on current activities regarding these recommendations. The Commission also highlighted issues of climate change and housing rights of internally displaced persons of the December 2006 tsunami.

Earlier this week the Commission also met with the State Minister for housing, Transport and Environment Mr. Aslam Shakir to follow up on the recommendations proposed by the Commission regarding the situation of adequate housing.

HRCM has Welcomed the Home Ministry's Decision to Improve the Situation in Maafushi Jail

News | 18 February 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has applauded the Home Ministry for its commitment to improve the present situation in Maafushi Jail and its assurance that HRCM's recommendations with regard to the jail made a few days ago in a report to the Ministry will be implemented fully.

Some of the recommendations in the report include the immediate establishment of a Prison's Act and the revision of the Prison Regulation in accordance with that of the international best practices for the minimum standards in treating persons in detention facilities and simultaneously calling for the implementation of the existing regulation which, according to HRCM findings is currently not being respected, to assign and re-affirm the Department of Penitentiary and Rehabilitation Services (DPRS) the responsibility of regulating and managing the Prisons as specified under the said Prison Regulation categorization of prisoners, to bring an end to trafficking of drugs into the prison and its subsequent abuse within its premises and to confiscate all communication devices currently being used and tools which may be used as weapons by some prisoners.

HRCM Report on Visit to Maafushi Jail Submitted to Concerned Authorities

News | 11 February 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has released a report based on findings of the Commission, following its visit to Kaafu Atoll Maafushi Jail, on 3 February 2009. The visit was conducted following a series of complaints filed at the Commission, by the management of Maafushi Jail and parents of detainees regarding the deteriorating situation of the jail and alleged violations of human rights at the facility.

HRCM Meets with Independent Institutions

News | 08 February 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has met with the members of independent institutions. The objective of this meeting was to discuss the importance of protecting and preserving the independence and integrity of such institutions as well as maintaining a uniform mechanism to govern independent institutions. The President of HRCM Mr. Ahmed Saleem stated that independent entities must resolve to support and encourage each other's efforts and decisions. The participants of this meeting include Civil Service Commission, Elections Commission, Anti-corruption Commission, the Auditor General, Prosecutor General and the Chief Justice. A follow-up meeting to discuss the prospects of this discussion has been scheduled for the third week of this month.

RWI - HRCM Bilateral Training Comes To a Close

News | 08 February 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives in collaboration with Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) has concluded the Bilateral training on International Human Rights Law.

The training conducted from 1-5 February 2009 in Bandos Island Resort and Spa was aimed at building the capacity of staff of the Commission with the specific objective of increasing staff competence in working with International Human Rights standards and best practices.

The training was facilitated by Professor Chris Sidoti and Mr. Vasu Pillai, and organized by Mr. Jason Naum and Ms. Amelie Sallfors from RWI.

In a function held to mark the closing of the workshop the RWI facilitators commended the Commission on its committed and promising staff with a vast range of background that they believed would complement the c Commission's work in the field of human rights. The Commission is confident that this training would assist its staff in the application of international best practices in human rights issues concerning the Maldives.

HRCM inaugurates its training on International Human Rights law

News | 01 February 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives in collaboration with Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI), commenced its International Human Rights Law workshop today.

The training is being conducted by trainers from Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law which is held at Bandos Island Resort from 1st to 5th February 2009. The opening ceremony was attended by commission members, facilitators of the workshop Mr. Chris Sidoti, Mr. Vasu Pillai, Mr. Jason Naum and Ms. Amelie Sallfors and staff of the Human Rights Commission.

In the inauguration ceremony held to mark the opening of the training, RWI consultant Mr. Vasu Pillai, stated that the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has been very impressive in its accomplishment during its short period of existence. He highlighted the investigation of the death of Hussain Solah and the Rapid assessment of housing situation in Maldives as two commendable areas of work that HRCM has accomplished. In addition, RWI consultant Mr. Chris Sidoti also commented on the work of HRCM and the importance of international human rights law.

The president of HRCM, Mr. Ahmed Saleem, in his comments at the inauguration ceremony highlighted the importance of the workshop and the past activities of the HRCM.

The objective of this training is to build capacity of HRCM staff on International Human Rights Law and its application and human rights issues concerning Maldives.

HRCM Concludes training for the NPM

News | 29 January 2009

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has concluded a training held in collaboration with the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) for selected Staff from Human Rights Commission and its National Preventive Mechanism which was conducted from 25-29 January 2009.

The five day training for staff of the National Preventive Mechanism Staff and the consultation team from HRCM was conducted by a team of experts from the Association for the Prevention of Torture jointly with Team Consult, a firm based in Switzerland. The objective of this training was to develop a strategic plan to carry out the Commission's mandate for prevention of torture as well as empower the staff of NPM on fulfilling the country's obligations under OPCAT. The training also involved practical sessions on conducting monitoring visits to places of detention.

This is the first venture of a prospective yearlong consultation with the APT and the NPM of the Commission which is one of the newest areas of work to be instigated by the HRCM.

Former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Calls on HRCM

News | 26 January 2009

The former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and the current opposition Party leader Honourable Ranil Wikramasinghe has conducted and courtesy visit to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives today.

In his meeting with the HRCM members, he highlighted the importance of the working together as two national human rights institutions in promoting and protecting human rights in our respective countries. The Commission also discussed the need to establish a Asia Pacific regional Human Rights Forum. HRCM President Mr. Ahmed Saleem thanked Honourable Wikaramasinghe meeting with the Commission stating that it has been an occasion of great honour for HRCM.

HRCM concludes Seminar on 'Human Rights in the Administration of Justice'

News | 22 January 2009

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has concluded its two day seminar for judges and lawyers on 'Human Rights in the Administration of Justice'. This seminar was attended by Judges and lawyers from courts of law, state authorities and private advocates. Dr. Abdul Azeez Bari' from the International Islamic University of Malaysia, who is an expert in the field' facilitated this training.

The training was conducted in two sessions where the first session was aimed at lawyers. This session was attended by the Attorney General's Office' the Prosecutor General's Office' Law Society of Maldives, Maldives Police services and the Judicial Services Commission. The session for Judges was attended by all above mentioned courts of law except for the criminal court.

This seminar has been instrumental in reinforcing the importance of the rule of law and the role of Judges and Lawyers in ensuring the rights afforded by the constitution and the obligations of the international human rights instruments ratified by Maldives.