President Extends Niumath Shafeeg’s Term as Children’s Ombudsperson
Niumath Shafeeg, Children’s Ombudsperson. | Photo: President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended Niumath Shafeeg’s term as the Children’s Ombudsperson of the Maldives for a further five years.
He extended Niumath’s term by Article 117 of the Child Rights Protection Act.
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Niumath was first appointed to the role with the approval of the Parliament on 23 July 2020. With her initial five-year term set to expire today, the President formally requested an extension by submitting a letter to the Majlis.
Following the presentation of a report by Parliament’s Human Rights and Gender Committee, all 50 members who voted supported the extension, approving it unanimously.
The Office of the Children’s Ombudsperson functions as an independent institution under the Child Rights Protection Act, with a mandate to promote, protect, and monitor the rights of children in the Maldives.
Niumath holds an International Master’s in Early Childhood and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
Prior to her appointment, Niumath worked as a National Consultant with UNICEF in the field of health protection, coordinated education development programmes, and lectured at Villa College, Maldives National University, and the Islamic University of Maldives. She has also played a prominent role in youth and volunteer initiatives, having served as Chief Commissioner of the Maldives Girl Guides Association.
Throughout her tenure, Niumath has been a vocal advocate for the dignity and protection of children, consistently clarifying her office’s position on politically sensitive issues and urging stronger safeguards to protect children from harm and exploitation.
