President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Shamoon Hameed as a member of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) following approval of his nomination by the People’s Majlis.
The appointment was made at a ceremony at the President’s Office, where Shamoon took his oath of office before Supreme Court Justice Dr Mohamed Ibrahim. President Muizzu subsequently presented him with his letter of appointment.
Shamoon returns to the HRCM after previously serving in senior positions at the commission. He was Director of the Investigation Department from 2010 to 2012 before serving as Secretary General from 2012 to 2016.
During his previous tenure, he was the focal point for the Maldives’ Universal Periodic Review reporting process and contributed to research concerning access to education for children with disabilities and the protection of child rights.
He most recently served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage.
His appointment follows a parliamentary decision not to renew the term of incumbent HRCM member Samau Ahmed Najeeb.
President Muizzu had submitted the nominations of both Shamoon and Samau to the People’s Majlis ahead of the expiry of Samau’s five-year term. Shamoon was placed first on the President’s prioritised list.
The parliamentary Human Rights Committee subsequently evaluated the nominees and retained the President’s ranking. Shamoon received a score of 92 per cent, while Samau received 86 per cent.
During the subsequent parliamentary vote, Shamoon’s nomination was approved with 57 votes in favour and none against.
As Shamoon’s nomination secured the required approval, parliament did not proceed to a separate vote on Samau’s nomination.
Samau was first appointed to the HRCM in October 2021 under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Shamoon’s appointment fills the position following the conclusion of the parliamentary process for the two nominations.
