UN Raises Alarm Over Judicial Independence in Maldives

The United Nations has expressed serious concern over the independence of the judiciary in the Maldives following the dismissal of two Supreme Court justices by the country’s Parliament.

In a statement delivered by Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the UN said the developments raise “serious concerns about respect for the independence of the judiciary.”

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The judges were dismissed after investigations were launched against them in February 2025 by the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Judicial Service Commission. Around the same time, a third justice resigned from the Supreme Court, while the Chief Justice has since retired, intensifying fears of political interference in the judiciary.

“These developments followed the Supreme Court’s hearing of a legal challenge to recent constitutional amendments affecting lawmakers’ ability to cross party lines,” the OHCHR noted, suggesting a possible link between the court’s rulings and the recent changes to its composition.

The UN urged Maldivian authorities to honour their constitutional and international commitments to safeguard judicial independence. “Checks and balances between the different branches of the State, including a strong and independent judiciary, play a vital role in ensuring fidelity to the rule of law by all branches of Government and the effective protection of human rights,” Laurence said.

The statement comes amid growing scrutiny of democratic institutions in the Maldives, with rights groups and international observers calling for greater transparency and accountability in judicial and legislative affairs.