Parliament today voted unanimously to approve Mariyam Azra as the President of the Maldives Human Rights Commission (HRCM), more than a month after the former commission member was nominated to the post.
While 54 MPs voted in favour of the nomination, President Mohamed Nasheed’s nominee to the post of HRCM Vice-President, Jeehan Mahmoud, received 22 votes in favour and 32 against.
Last month, former HRCM President Ahmed Saleem condemned parliament’s failure to approve a president and vice-president as “unforgivable.”
“What the Majlis has done to HRCM is unforgivable, and it’s all because HRCM and human rights are not as important to the Majlis as taking their leave,” he said.
Meanwhile, a coalition of local NGOs echoed Saleem’s concerns, pointing out that the non-appointment of a president and vice-president was “an immense obstacle to the effective functioning of the commission.”
According to article nine of the HRCM Act, the president of the commission holds the chair for meetings.
During the final sitting of the last session of parliament, some MPs objected to having two women as president and vice-president of the commission.
DRP Deputy Leader Ilham Ahmed said that while he considered the people appointed for HRCM as capable, the role of President and Vice President “should include a male.”
“Even if you look at it from a religious perspective or from the perspective of good policy, there should be a male in either post,’’ he said.
Independent MP for Kudahuvadhoo, Ahmed Amir, said it was “against human rights” to have two females in the roles of President and Vice President.
“It is the woman who calls for equality most of the time,’’ said Amir.
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