President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended the term of office of the Maldives Children’s Ombudsperson, Niumath Shafeeq, for five years.

The extension was granted under Section 117 of the Children’s Rights Protection Act.

Niumath Shafeeg was first appointed to the role on July 23, 2020, with the approval of Parliament. According to the Children’s Rights Protection Act, the position is appointed for a five-year term. Her current term was set to expire on July 23, 2025.

The extension was approved by the Parliament following the submission of the Human Rights and Gender Committee’s report. The decision was passed with unanimous support, with all 50 members present voting in favour.

Niumath Shafeeq holds an International Master’s degree in Early Childhood and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

The Office of the Children’s Ombudsperson is an independent institution established under the Protection of Children’s Rights Act to advocate for and monitor the rights and wellbeing of children in the Maldives.