Maldives is on the Road to Recovery, Says Minister of State

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ahmed Khaleel today delivered a statement at the High-Level Segment of the ongoing 49th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Speaking at the Council, State Minister Khaleel congratulated His Excellency Federico Villegas for being elected as the President of the 49th Session of the Council and assured Maldives’ support during his presidency. Noting that Maldives is on the road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, State Minister stressed the importance of ensuring equitable and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines to all. He also elaborated on the achievements attained by the Maldives in addressing climate change. In this regard, he recalled that the Maldives was a lead cosponsor of the HRC Resolution 48/13 on the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right, for the first time.

He also noted that the Maldives continues to engage with human rights mechanisms on a broader scale and emphasized the importance of promoting diversity and universality in the Council. Furthermore, he reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to working with the voiceless, marginalized and smallest countries to ensure that no one is left behind.

Moreover, the State Minister expressed deep concern on the escalating humanitarian situation in Ukraine and called on all concerned parties to uphold their obligations under international human rights law and humanitarian law.

The High-Level Segment was chaired by His Excellency Federico Villegas, President of the 16th cycle of the Human Rights Council.