The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has participated in a regional workshop focused on the protection of whistleblowers and witnesses for Indian Ocean Island nations, held from 15 to 17 September 2026 in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The Commission was represented at the meeting by Commissioner Ahmed Magsoom and the Director General of the Whistleblower Protection Unit, Maryam Rifna Latheef. During the workshop, the Maldivian delegation shared the nation's progress and experiences in the field of whistleblower and witness protection. They also highlighted key observations, implementation challenges, and strategic priorities required to further strengthen these systems.

Speaking on the protection of witnesses, Commissioner Ahmed Magsoom underscored the importance of a robust legal and institutional framework to provide effective protection to witnesses. In this regard, the Commissioner emphasized the need for dedicated standalone legislation for witness protection; building the capacity of the Maldives Police Service's Witness Protection Unit; strengthening the unit by granting it operational independence; formulating clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); and enhancing information security protocols to further ensure the safety of protected witnesses.

Addressing the issue of whistleblower protection, Director General Maryam Rifna Latheef highlighted the progress achieved since the previous regional workshop held in Seychelles. She noted a rise in awareness and an increased utilization of reporting mechanisms, pointing out that more individuals are learning how to speak out and report wrongdoing. She also stated that as awareness and reporting continue to grow, the institutional capacity, systems, and safeguards required to protect whistleblowers must develop in tandem. The Director General emphasized that the success of a whistleblower protection regime should not be measured solely by the volume of reports received, but rather by the level of trust and confidence that those courageous enough to speak out have in the system's ability to protect them.

This regional initiative, aimed at the Indian Ocean islands to protect whistleblowers and witnesses, serves as an important platform for exchanging national experiences, sharing best practices, and strengthening regional cooperation among participating countries in safeguarding whistleblowers and witnesses.