The People’s Majlis has just granted approval for the appointment of Dr. Aishath Rameela as the President of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM).

The nomination was submitted to the Majlis by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for parliamentary consent. The matter was forwarded to the Human Rights and Gender Committee during yesterday's floor session for review. Following its deliberations, the committee recommended her approval, and the committee report was sent back to the floor yesterday.

In today's second extraordinary session of the Majlis, Dr. Rameela's appointment was approved with 38 votes in favor out of the 39 members present.

Dr. Rameela was officially appointed as a member of the HRCM on December 3rd, after the Parliament approved her membership on October 29th of last year.

Her appointment to the HRCM followed the expiration of the term of the commission's former president, Mariyam Muna. With Muna's term ending, the position of HRCM President became vacant. Under the current legal framework, the President appoints a chairperson from among the commission's members, subject to parliamentary approval.

Dr. Rameela initially served as the first Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare under the current administration. However, she resigned from her cabinet post on December 1, 2024, due to health concerns.

The HRCM is currently composed of five members: Vice President Mohamed Shafeeq Mahmood, and members Samau Ahmed Najeeb, Ismail Habeeb, Ahmed Magsoom, and Dr. Aishath Rameela.