The People’s Majlis has passed a monthly pay of MVR 35,000 for the Children’s Ombudsperson, to be appointed as stipulated under Article 113 of the Child Rights Protection Act.
During Tuesday’s sitting, votes were taken on the report by the Public Accounts Committee of the parliament and 63 members unanimously voted in favor of passing the monthly pay.
Under Article 121 of the Child Rights Protection Act, the People’s Majlis has the power to allocate a salary for the Children’s Ombudsperson and as such, the Public Accounts Committee passed to allocate a basic salary of MVR 25,000 for the Children’s Ombudsperson, who will also receive MVR 10,000 as an allowance.
The Human Rights and Gender Committee of the parliament passed to approve the appointment of Siyaanath Hashim, native to Thinadhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll to the position of Children’s Ombudsperson, earlier in May.
The nomination was forwarded for committee review during a parliament sitting on April 22.
Responsibilities of the ombudsperson include:
- Enforcing the implementation of the Child Rights Protection Act alongside identifying how much it is being implemented by the relevant stakeholders,
- Identifying if the relevant government institutions implement the act and taking measures to ensure it is followed,
- Monitoring and evaluating those employed at institutions advocating for children’s rights,
- Investigating actions of those employed at institutions advocating for children’s rights.
President Solih ratified amendments to the Child Rights Protection Act during November 2019.
The reconstituted Child Rights Protection Act outlines the rights and responsibilities for children; and duties of the State, community and parents to protect such rights; and seeks to reduce disparities between the previous law and international child protection laws and standards.
