President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has signed the declaration regarding Article 22 of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) on Tuesday.

Upon signing the declaration, the government of Maldives agrees to recognize the competence of the United Nations' Committee to receive and consider complaints from or on behalf of Maldivians, claiming to be victims of a violation against the mandates of the Convention Against Torture by a State Party.

As per article 22 of CAT, the committee will only consider complaints by individuals that have exhausted all domestic options against the violation or matter's that do not have any past or ongoing international investigations.

According to the press statement released by the President's Office, signing this Declaration under Article 22 of CAT is part of the incumbent administration's efforts to realize the recommendations made by the Committee in the Maldives’ Initial Report published in November 2018.

The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment was brought into effect by the United Nations on 26 June 1987. Hence, the date is also celebrated as International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

The international human rights treaty seeks to prevent torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment around the world under the review of the United Nations.