The Public Accounts Committee of the People’s Majlis has passed a monthly pay of MVR 35,000 for the position of a Children’s Ombudsperson, who is to be appointed as stipulated under Article 113 of the Child Rights Protection Act.
The committee report states that a basic salary of MVR 25,000 will be given for the Children’s Ombudsperson, who will also receive MVR 10,000 as an allowance.
Responsibilities of the ombudsperson include:
- Enforcing the implementation of the Child Rights Protection Act alongside identifying how much it is being implemented by the relevant stakeholders,
- Identifying if the relevant government institutions implement the act and taking measures to ensure it is followed,
- Monitoring and evaluating those employed at institutions advocating for children’s rights,
- Investigating actions of those employed at institutions advocating for children’s rights.
The Human Rights and Gender Committee of the parliament passed to approve the appointment of Siyaanath Hashim, native to Thinadhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll to the position of Children’s Ombudsperson, on Tuesday.
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.
