Parliament rejects motion over alleged harassment of HRCM staffers

The motion submitted to the Parliament by Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef alleging that members from the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) have been intimidating employees working at the Commission – has been dismissed.

MP Shareef submitted the motion with reference to Article 179 parliamentary regulations – stating that it was being brought forward ensure that the dignity and the rights of HRCM employees are protected.

He said that some HRCM members have threatened to terminate employees from their jobs – and subsequently, the employees feel threatened at their workplace.

“Employees, after they identified 84 issues they are facing – and began expressing their concern, are being treated worse than before – being bullied and harassed and such. Some employees had left their jobs due to this as well. Personal differences have arisen between some members and employees, escalating the situation at HRCM to the level it is hindering the commission from carrying out its duties as an independent institution,” the motion had detailed.

MP Shareef called on the Parliament to review the issues between the members and employees, and ensure a safe work environment for the employees.

When a vote was taken onto whether the motion would be debated on the floor – only four members voted in favor of it from the 40 members in attendance. 36 members voted against it.

Subsequently, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed who was presiding over the session had suggested that MP Shareef move forward with the issue by submitting it to the Parliament’s Human Rights and Gender Committee.

Sitting members of the HRCM at present are; Mariyam Muna, Samaau Ahmed Najeeb, Aminath Shafaath Abdul Razzaq, Moomina Waheed and Dr. Ahmed Adhuham Abdulla.