The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to renew bilateral cooperation to strengthen institutional capacity of HRCM, in preventing torture and ill-treatment, in particular for women deprived of liberty. The cooperation framework between HRCM and APT began in 2008.

The MoU was signed today at the HRCM-APT High-Level Dialogue in Malé led by Ms. Mariyam Muna, President of HRCM, and Ms. Veronica Filippeschi, Vulnerabilities and Policy Senior Advisor of APT.

The chief guest of the High-Level Dialogue was MP Jeehan Mahmood, Chair of Human Rights and Gender Committee of the Parliament. This opening was also attended by the Minister of Home Affairs, Sheikh Imran Abdulla and relevant stakeholders.

During the High-Level Dialogue, NPM presented their recommendations, CAT concluding observations and SPT recommendations which was followed by participating stakeholder discussions on the challenges faced to implement the recommendations and the way forward. APT also highlighted on the Mendez principles on effective interviewing and discussed the way forward regarding recommendations and implementations.  

This dialogue was concluded with a speech by SPT and closing remarks by HRCM.