Parliament Endorses Niumath Shafeeg for Second Term as Children’s Ombudsperson
Niumath Shafeeg, Children’s Ombudsperson. | Photo: President’s Office
The Parliament has endorsed Niumath Shafeeg for a second consecutive term as the Children’s Ombudsperson, reaffirming her mandate to safeguard and promote the rights and welfare of children across the Maldives.
The endorsement followed a request submitted by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu last week, in accordance with Section 117 of the Children’s Rights Protection Act, to extend Niumath’s term. At today’s parliamentary sitting, 50 MPs voted in favour of her reappointment. The Human Rights and Gender Committee of Parliament reported that she received an 88 percent score in the review process.
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Niumath Shafeeg was first appointed to the role in July 2020, becoming the Maldives’ first-ever Children’s Ombudsperson after securing unanimous parliamentary approval on the nomination put forward by then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood from Oslo and Akershus University College in Norway and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
Before assuming the role, Niumath served as a National Consultant with UNICEF on health protection, coordinated education development programs, and taught at Villa College, Maldives National University, and the Islamic University of Maldives. Beyond her professional career, she has been active in youth and volunteer initiatives, including serving as the Chief Commissioner of the Maldives Girl Guides Association.
During her tenure, Niumath has consistently raised her voice on issues related to the dignity and protection of children, clarifying her office’s stance on politically sensitive matters and calling for stronger measures to shield children from harm and undue exposure.
