President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Dr Aishath Rameela as the new President of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM).

Her appointment follows parliamentary approval granted at an extraordinary sitting on Tuesday, where 38 lawmakers voted in favour of the Human Rights and Gender Committee’s recommendation.

Dr Rameela was sworn in as a member of the commission on December 3.

She previously served as the country’s first Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare under the current administration, before stepping down in December 2024 citing health concerns.

The five-member commission is now led by Dr Rameela, with Mohamed Shafeeg Mahmood serving as Vice President.

Other members include Samaau Ahmed Najeeb, Ismail Habeeb Abdul Rahman, and Ahmed Magsoom.