Yameen questions role of HRCM and independent commissions
Yameen said the commission had remained silent on issues including shortages of medicines and challenges affecting the Aasandha national health insurance.
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Former President Abdulla Yameen has questioned the role of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and other independent commissions, alleging that they have failed to respond to issues affecting the public.
Speaking at a meeting on Thursday night, Yameen said his remarks were not politically motivated. He claimed the public had not seen HRCM take meaningful action to protect citizens' rights.
Yameen said the commission had remained silent on issues including shortages of medicines and challenges affecting the Aasandha national health insurance scheme.
"When Aasandha runs out of funds, leaving people helpless, and everything goes downhill, HRCM chooses not to say a word. They also refuse to speak up when political protests and gatherings are cracked down upon and dispersed," he said.
He also criticised the commission's handling of cases involving domestic violence and children's rights.
According to Yameen, HRCM conducts assessments and refers such cases to the police for criminal investigation, after which the courts determine the outcome. He further alleged that the commission does not appear before the courts even when its participation is required.
"That is why I am saying this. I see absolutely no purpose for that institution," he said.
Yameen also questioned the role of the National Integrity Commission (NIC), which is mandated to oversee law enforcement conduct and investigate complaints involving police officers.
He said he was uncertain whether the commission was carrying out its functions.
"Following the ratification of the Constitution, we adopted the American model, establishing all the same institutions here in the Maldives. But while the number of institutions has multiplied, they lack the courage to exercise the powers and discretion granted to them," Yameen said.
He alleged that independent institutions had become subject to the influence of those in power.
Yameen said the commissions were established under the Constitution to safeguard the rights of citizens but claimed they were failing to fulfil that role.
