HRCM condemns remarks against Shujoon at Malé meeting

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) on Thursday condemned remarks made by a member of the public against Supreme Court Justice Aisha Shujoon during a meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu in Malé.

During a series of public meetings held by the President this month, a man criticised Justice Shujoon for not wearing a headscarf. In his remarks, he stated that not wearing a headscarf amounted to a failure to observe modesty and said that such a person should not serve as a judge, making further derogatory comments during the meeting.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the HRCM said the comments were an attack on the dignity of women and the standing of a sitting Supreme Court justice.

The commission said the protection of a person’s name and reputation is guaranteed under Islamic Sharia, the Constitution of the Maldives, and international human rights treaties to which the Maldives is a party.

The HRCM said freedom of expression does not permit harm to the reputation of others and urged members of the public to express their views in a respectful manner.

The statement added that individuals should communicate constructively and avoid language that discriminates on the basis of gender.

The commission also noted that the Maldives is a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and said the use of sexually insulting language against women in public life undermines efforts to uphold women’s rights.

According to the HRCM, such remarks may discourage women from entering public service and create fear among those seeking to contribute to national institutions.

The commission concluded by urging the public to refrain from making statements in public forums that undermine human dignity or the dignity of others.