The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) received 589 complaints between 1 January and 31 August of this year, according to official statistics released by the rights body.
However, the commission decided against pursuing the majority of the cases beyond the preliminary evaluation stage.Of the total submissions received during the eight-month period, HRCM accepted 284 complaints for formal investigation, while dismissing 305 at the preliminary stage. The commission explained that the majority of rejected cases were either outside its legal mandate or required initial submission to other relevant state authorities. Complainants in those instances were directed to appropriate agencies, with instructions to resubmit their grievances to HRCM if they face delays or remain dissatisfied with the actions taken.
Issues within the health sector constituted the single largest share of complaints filed this year, totaling 104 submissions. The statistics also recorded 23 complaints alleging police misconduct or abuse and 21 related to the rights of detainees. HRCM highlighted that among the cases accepted for full investigation, healthcare violations against detainees—specifically general medical neglect, failure to provide prescribed treatments, and non-referral to specialist doctors—made up the largest portion.
Despite the persistent volume of cases, HRCM reported an increased pace in resolving disputes. A total of 297 cases were closed following investigation this year, including 199 carried over from previous years. Closures peaked in recent months, with 61 cases concluded in July and 48 in August. Of the new complaints selected for investigation, 72 percent were finalised within 90 days, with the overall average resolution time standing at 70 days.
Despite the clearance, the commission continues to face a notable backlog. Work remains pending on 188 complaints filed this year, while 415 cases carried over from previous years remain unresolved. Among these, 102 cases are over two years old. HRCM noted that special priority is currently being given to clearing these long-standing cases.
The HRCM is constitutionally mandated to protect, promote, and sustain human rights in the Maldives in accordance with Islamic Shariah, the Constitution, and relevant international conventions, while also supporting local non-governmental organisations dedicated to human rights work.