Maldives Engages in 56th Session of UN Human Rights Council

The 56th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council has commenced in Geneva, Switzerland, running from June 18 to July 12, 2024. This significant session sees the active participation of the Maldives delegation, aligning with the government’s key policies and priorities. The delegation is set to deliver several national statements under various agenda items, emphasizing critical issues such as climate change, gender equality, and judicial independence.
Representing a group of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) based in Geneva, the Maldives will deliver a joint statement for the Annual Panel on Adverse Impacts of Climate Change and Technical Assistance and Capacity Building. This initiative highlights the Maldives’ continued advocacy for addressing climate change and its severe impacts on vulnerable island nations. The Maldives' leadership in this area underscores the urgency of global action to mitigate climate change effects, particularly for SIDS that face existential threats from rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
In addition to climate advocacy, the Maldives will also present a joint statement on women’s equal participation in an inclusive multilateral system. This effort is part of the core group for Women in Diplomacy and Multilateralism. By promoting gender equality, the Maldives aims to ensure that women have a significant role in global decision-making processes, thus fostering a more inclusive and equitable international community.
Moreover, the Maldives is collaborating with a cross-regional core group to propose a resolution on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers. This move emphasizes the country’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring judicial independence, which are crucial for maintaining the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights.
Leading the Maldives delegation is Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Salma Rasheed. The delegation includes Counsellor Adam Hamid, Counsellor Uza. Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim, Second Secretary Maryam Fathika Fayaz, Second Secretary Aishath Rifga, and Attaché Raaidh Saeedh, all from the Permanent Mission of the Maldives to the United Nations Offices at Geneva. Their collective efforts aim to amplify the Maldives' voice on critical global issues and foster collaborative efforts to advance the human rights agenda.
The Maldives’ active participation in the Human Rights Council underscores its dedication to promoting and protecting human rights on the global stage. Addressing issues such as climate change, gender equality, and the independence of the judiciary, the Maldives aims to contribute to meaningful global discourse and action.
The 56th Session of the Human Rights Council provides a vital platform for the Maldives to voice its concerns and collaborate with other nations. By taking a firm stand on climate change, the Maldives seeks to rally international support for measures that protect vulnerable nations from environmental hazards. Through its advocacy for women’s participation in diplomacy and multilateralism, the Maldives promotes a vision of global governance that is inclusive and representative.
Furthermore, the proposed resolution on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers reflects the Maldives' commitment to strengthening judicial systems worldwide. Ensuring that judges and lawyers can operate independently is fundamental to safeguarding human rights and promoting justice.
The Maldives’ participation in the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council highlights its proactive approach to addressing global challenges. By focusing on climate change, gender equality, and judicial independence, the Maldives not only advocates for its national interests but also contributes to the broader goal of protecting human rights and fostering sustainable development globally. The delegation’s efforts at this session will help shape international policies and actions, reinforcing the Maldives’ position as a committed advocate for human rights on the world stage.