President Requests Extension of Niumath Shafeeg’s Term as Children’s Ombudsperson
Niumath Shafeeg, Children’s Ombudsperson. | Photo: President’s Office
The President has submitted to Parliament a request to extend the term of Niumath Shafeeg as the Children’s Ombudsperson, in accordance with section 117 of the Children’s Rights Protection Act.
Niumath Shafeeg was first appointed to the role in July 2020, becoming the country’s first-ever Children’s Ombudsperson after receiving unanimous parliamentary approval on the nomination put forward by then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
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She brings with her a strong academic and professional background in child rights, having earned 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.
Prior to assuming office, 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 the Maldives. Beyond her professional work, she has also been active in youth-focused volunteer roles, including serving as the Chief Commissioner of the Maldives Girl Guides Association.
During her tenure, Niumath has consistently spoken out on issues relating to the dignity and protection of children, including clarifying her office’s stance on politically sensitive matters and calling for measures to protect children from undue exposure and harm.
The President’s request for her term extension has now been referred to Parliament’s Human Rights and Gender Committee for further deliberation.
