Foreign Minister Abdulla Haleel has assured that the Maldives will remain steadfast in its efforts to promote and protect human rights, reaffirming the country’s commitment at the high-level segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
Speaking at the session, Minister Haleel emphasized that the government is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of all citizens and upholding international human rights treaties to which the Maldives is a party. He also highlighted the country’s contributions as a member state of the Council, particularly its leadership in establishing a voluntary trust fund to support the participation of Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States in the Council’s work. Additionally, he noted the Maldives’ role in advocating for the recognition of a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a fundamental human right.
Minister Haleel outlined the human rights initiatives of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, with a strong focus on social issues such as gender equality, access to adequate housing, increased inclusion of persons with disabilities, and addressing the environmental and human impacts of climate change.
Furthermore, he expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, condemning Israel’s attacks and emphasizing the longstanding historical ties between the Maldives and Palestine.