Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has stated several issues have been identified in matters related to ensuring rights of people under state watch.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, on behalf of the National Preventive Mechanism Department of HRCM Muna Abdulla shared some issues highlighted in the anti-torture report. Citing the report, she said due to various reasons, it has been identified that people are kept in violation of the space allocation, especially in the Centre for People with Special Needs and children shelters. She noted while ensuring the basic rights have failed, basic rights such as providing safe water and exercise space have also been neglected. She mentioned it takes days for an inmate to consult a specialist doctor and special dietary programmes for certain inmates recommended by doctors have not been followed.
Meanwhile, speaking on the programme, Research and Monitoring Director at HRCM Shifa Abdul Razzaq said although many issues have been highlighted in the report, there are challenges in seeking solutions. She started off by noting an appropriate budget has not been provided to solve the issues.
Last year, HRCM investigated 43 cases on rights violation, which includes 13 cases submitted against Maldives Police Service, 17 cases against Maldives Correctional Service and 3 cases against Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services. Out of the mentioned cases, 4 cases were forwarded to Prosecutor General's Office while 3 cases were sent back as they lacked sufficient evidence.