The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, (HRCM) has revealed that a total of 12 individuals were forced to move out of their homes and apartments due to failure in paying rent, amid the Covid-19 crisis.

A survey conducted by the commission reveals that 44% of individuals who had reached out to the commission were living for rent in the congested capital region. Out of this, 30% of individuals faced hindrances in settling their rent due to a sudden loss in income as a result of the economic downfall facing the country.

12% of these individuals had stated that their lessors had reduced rental fees and 42% of these individuals did not face any changes in their livelihoods.

Two percent of the individuals (25 persons) that provided information to the commission were warned by their lessors that they will be forced to move out if they did not settle their rent payments.

Further, 12 individuals (1%) were forced to move out due to failure in settling their rents. Out of the 12, eight were accommodated in temporary shelters.

HRCM went on to reveal that six individuals were provided shelter from guest houses, well-wishers, or friends while five individuals had reached out to the commission with complaints due to difficulty in acquiring essential food after their salaries and Ramadan allowances were cut.

The government has been providing shelter and food for these individuals and several homeless people have been rescued since the Greater Malé Region went into a lockdown on April 15.