President's nomination for Children's ombudsperson receives committee approval

The People’s Majlis committee on Human Rights and Gender has passed to approve the appointment of Siyaanath Hashim, native to Thinadhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll to the position of Children’s Ombudsperson as stipulated under Article 113 of the Child Rights Protection Act.

The nomination was forwarded for committee review during a parliament sitting on April 22 and the committee’s report states that Sinayath has been interviewed following which two thirds of the members present at a meeting held on May 6, unanimously voted to approve the nomination.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih forwarded the nomination to parliament and in an announcement on April 30, the parliament sought public opinion on appointing the president’s nomination to the post. As such, the public was urged to submit complaints by May 5.

President Solih ratified amendments to the Child Rights Protection Act during November 2019.

The reconstituted Child Rights Protection Act outlines the rights and responsibilities for children; and duties of the State, community and parents to protect such rights; and seeks to reduce disparities between the previous law and international child protection laws and standards.

The main purpose on the bill is to ensure the rights of children in Maldives. Further, it also includes providing assistance and support for children who need social protection, alongside setting responsibilities for government institutions regarding taking children in as well as foster regulations and setting appropriate measures to be taken against those found negligent in child related cases.

Parliament passed the bill at its 65th sitting of the third session held on November 14, last year.