Mohamed Zahid on Thursday was appointed as the deputy chair of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM).
Zahid’s nomination was approved by the parliament on Tuesday with 57 votes in favour.
The new appointment to the human rights watchdog had to be made after the former vice chair of the commission, Shafeeq Mufeedh resigned abruptly in mid-May.
Shortly after Mufeedh’s resignation, president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom had appointed him as a state minister at the home ministry.
Zahid had served as the deputy chair of HRCM when the institution was first instigated.
There are five commissioners at the human rights commission, appointed by the president. The commissioners will also have to be approved by the parliament.
Aminath Eenas is currently the president of HRCM. She has worked over 15 years in protecting the rights of children and women, and in various other government institutions in this field.
