Foreign Secretary delivers remarks at the Human Rights Day Event organised by UN Maldives and Human Rights Commission
Foreign Secretary Ahmed Latheef took part in an event co-hosted by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Human Rights Commission, to mark Human Rights Day 2022. The event held at the Maldives National University today, also commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) under the theme “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All.”
Delivering Opening Remarks at the event, Foreign Secretary Latheef reaffirmed the commitment of the Maldives to the values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. He further recalled the progress achieved by the Maldives in the field of human rights over the years, both domestically and internationally. In this regard, Foreign Secretary Latheef highlighted the efforts undertaken by the Government in enhancing the political and legislative framework to further promote the rights of vulnerable groups, including that of women and children.
Foreign Secretary Latheef also noted the historic election of the Maldives to the membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council for a third time. He expressed hope that assuming a seat at the Council next year would enable the Maldives to continue its advocacy on priority areas such as the intersection between human rights and environment, and democratic consolidation. Lastly he recollected the notable engagements of the Maldives within the Human Rights Council in the past and assured that the country will continue to pursue a future with equality at the core, for its people.
The event also witnessed the participation of the President of Human Rights Commission of the Maldives Mariyam Muna, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Catherine Haswell and members of the diplomatic corps., government dignitaries, the civil society, and the academia. It also featured panel discussions and video screenings on three thematic areas: gender discrimination at the workplace, rights of migrant workers and rights of persons with disabilities.
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December, the day UDHR was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.