The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has called on the government to implement the anti-torture reforms that it and the United Nations have recommended.

In a statement to mark the international day in support of victims of torture, the HRCM said that it had received a total of 34 complaints about being subject to torture, cruel treatment, or degrading punishment last year.

The commission said that it had forwarded said complaints to the National CAT and OPCAT Committees, established by the government to implement the United Nations’ convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment.

Its statement had commended President Abdulla Yameen’s administration for having founded the committees and called on it to implement its recommendations as soon as possible.

The commission had further advised the Maldivian government to file a report on the status of torture and other such punishment in the country, and implement reforms recommended by the United Nations.