The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Monday that the Maldives has joined global leaders at the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which commenced in Geneva, Switzerland, and is scheduled to run until October 8.
The session was officially opened by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, who addressed a range of pressing global human rights issues, as stated in a Foreign Ministry press release.
Leading the Maldivian delegation is Dr. Salma Rasheed, Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva and Vice President of the Human Rights Council for the Asia Pacific Group. The delegation will actively participate in key discussions and will deliver national statements on multiple agenda items, the ministry said.
Other members of the Maldivian delegation attending the session include:
Counsellor Adam Hamid
Counsellor Uza. Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim
Second Secretary Aishath Rayahyn
Third Secretary Faiha Firaq
Attache' Raaidh Saeedh
The Foreign Ministry also highlighted that the Maldives plans to introduce a new resolution on the impact of sea-level rise on human rights, underscoring its commitment to addressing the climate challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
In addition, the ministry’s press release noted that the Maldives will present a triennial resolution on the crucial role of prevention in promoting human rights. On behalf of SIDS, the Maldives will also deliver a joint statement under the Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building agenda.
As a member of both the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Maldives will join group statements condemning the global rise in human rights violations. In its national capacity, the delegation will focus on critical issues, including the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, and will participate in the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar.
According to the Foreign Ministry’s press release on Monday, Dr. Salma Rasheed is slated to chair several Council meetings, reinforcing the Maldives’ leadership role within the UNHRC. The nation’s current term as a member of the 47-state Council, a vital UN body dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide, concludes this year.