The Nolhivaranfaru Island Council has been ordered by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) to revoke the existing provisional list of flat recipients in accordance with the government's housing policy. The fairness of the distribution method was questioned in a petition and the ensuing investigation, which led to this result.
Petition from Residents Sparks Investigation
A petition signed by 279 individuals triggered the investigation, raising issues with the allocation of 100 flats. These concerns led HRCM to closely examine the procedures followed in selecting recipients. The commission emphasized that the flat allocation, as conducted under the current rules, could lead to violations of rights protected by the Maldives Constitution and other national laws.
Findings Lead to Call for Change
Upon reviewing the case, HRCM concluded that the existing regulations are inadequate for ensuring fairness in the distribution of flats. The commission found that revising the rules and re-evaluating applications based on these changes would not sufficiently protect the rights of applicants. As a result, HRCM recommended that the entire process be redone with a new regulation in place.
Council Ordered to Comply or Face Penalties
The Nolhivaranfaru Island Council has been instructed to cancel the current list of recipients and establish new guidelines for the allocation process. HRCM's investigation report must be considered in this process to ensure fairness moving forward. Additionally, the commission warned the council that failure to comply with this directive could lead to legal consequences under Article 26 of the Human Rights Commission Act, including penalties such as house arrest for up to three months or even dismissal from government posts.
History of the Flat Allocation Project
The project to build these 100 flats began in 2011 during former President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration but faced delays after work stopped in 2014. Under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, construction resumed in 2021, with the project reaching completion in 2022. The opportunity to apply for these flats first opened in October 2022, but after initial complications, the process was restarted in March 2023, allowing applications from both residents and non-residents.
What’s Next?
As the council prepares to rework the allocation system, the decision by HRCM highlights the importance of ensuring housing policies respect the rights of citizens. With legal action looming if the council fails to comply, the case serves as a reminder of the watchdog role that HRCM plays in safeguarding rights and promoting transparency in public processes.
