Samaau nominated for a second term at HRCM, but Shamoon named President’s top pick

The names of Samaau Ahmed Najeeb, a current member of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), and Shamoon Hameed, a long-serving state official, have been submitted to Parliament for appointment to the Commission.

Samaau, who was appointed to the HRCM on September 14, 2021, is set to complete her term in one month. The President selected candidates from those who applied for the post and forwarded the names of Samaau and Shamoon to Parliament. According to the President’s Office, priority was given to Shamoon.

The names have now been referred to the Human Rights Committee of Parliament for review.

Samaau has previously served as State Attorney and Senior State Attorney at the Attorney General’s Office since 2015. She also worked as an attaché at the Maldivian Embassy in India between 2010 and 2011. She holds a Master of Human Rights Law from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and has participated in numerous human rights workshops and seminars. In addition, she was part of the team of experts appointed by Maldives to the UN UNCAC.

Shamoon has held various government and state positions since 1986. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, and a Master of Music (Composition) from the University of Sydney. His past roles include Secretary General of the HRCM, Director General of the National Centre for the Arts, and Music Supervisor at the Ministry of Education. He most recently served as Permanent Secretary of the Heritage Ministry during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.