President Muizzu Appoints Veteran Human Rights Expert Shamoon Hameed to HRCM

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Shamoon Hameed as a member of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM). The appointment, conducted under Article 190(b) of the Constitution and Section 5(a) of the Human Rights Commission Act, brings a seasoned administrator back to the nation's primary human rights watchdog. Hameed officially assumed his role during a ceremony at the President’s Office, where he took the oath of membership administered by Supreme Court Justice Dr Mohamed Ibrahim. Following the oath, President Muizzu presented Hameed with his formal letter of appointment. Hameed returns to the HRCM with a deep historical connection to the institution. He previously served as the Director of the Investigation Department from 2010 to 2012, before ascending to the role of Secretary-General, a position he held from 2012 to 2016. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role as the commission's focal point for reporting under the United Nations Universal Periodic Review mechanism, ensuring the Maldives' compliance with international human rights standards. Beyond administrative leadership, Hameed has a proven track record in specialized advocacy. He contributed significantly to national studies focused on the protection of children's rights and expanding educational opportunities for children with disabilities, highlighting a career dedicated to marginalized populations. Most recently, Hameed served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage. His return to the HRCM is expected to leverage his combined experience in high-level government administration and grassroots human rights investigation to strengthen the commission's oversight capabilities.