The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has launched an investigation into a complaint filed by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), alleging that the constitutional rights of the residents of Haa Dhaal Hirimaradhoo are being violated.
The MDP submitted the case to the HRCM following a presidential decree that designated Hirimaradhoo as an uninhabited island. The party contends that the dissolution of the island council—which they argue contravenes the Decentralization Act—has resulted in the loss of fundamental rights for the island's residents.
"We wish to inform you that the commission is currently investigating the matter submitted by your party. We will provide a response as soon as the investigation is concluded," the HRCM stated.
President Mohamed Muizzu previously decided to relocate the residents of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo. Coinciding with the recent local council elections, the Hirimaradhoo Council was dissolved, and residents were required to cast their votes to elect representatives for the Hanimaadhoo Council instead.
In June, the Hanimaadhoo Council began registering Hirimaradhoo residents who wished to relocate to Haa Alif Hoarafushi. A 30-day window was provided for this registration process, which has since expired.
Following the dissolution of the Hirimaradhoo Council, the responsibility for funding basic and municipal services for the island fell to the Hanimaadhoo Council. The government’s official policy remains the relocation of the Hirimaradhoo population to Hanimaadhoo.
The Hanimaadhoo Council has previously expressed concern over the situation, noting that basic services for Hirimaradhoo residents are being disrupted because the government has withheld the Hirimaradhoo budget instead of transferring it to the Hanimaadhoo Council.
Meanwhile, the government has previously alleged that the Hanimaadhoo Council is causing delays in allocating the land required to build housing for the families relocating from Hirimaradhoo.
