The People’s Majlis has approved the Maldives’ participation in the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with 64 of the 65 members present voting in favour.

The decision follows a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Health and a Cabinet decision made in September. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu sought parliamentary approval in line with Article 93(a) of the Constitution, which requires Majlis approval for the Maldives to join international treaties.

The Maldives ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in April 2010 but has not previously joined its Optional Protocol. The Government has said that international human rights reviews have repeatedly recommended ratifying the protocol as soon as possible.

The protocol strengthens protections for persons with disabilities and establishes mechanisms to hold member states accountable for implementing the Convention. One mechanism allows individuals or groups to submit complaints to the United Nations committee responsible for the Convention after exhausting domestic legal remedies.