Ref: 2024/PR/378
A three-day Workshop organised by the Secretariat of the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund to support the participation of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the work of the Human Rights Council (LDCs/SIDS Trust Fund) hosted by the Maldives was inaugurated today in Malé, Maldives.
This Workshop is administered by the Human Rights Council Branch of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The main purpose of this Workshop is to provide an opportunity for LDCs and SIDS of the Asia Region to enhance their capacity in effectively engaging with the work of the Human Rights Council and human rights mechanisms and is derived from Human Rights Council Resolutions 19/26 adopted in 2012 and 49/32 in 2022, respectively.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Dr. Hala Hameed, Secretary, Bilateral and Ambassador Omar Zniber, President of the Human Rights Council and Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva. The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Salma Rasheed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Office, Mr. Ahmed Shiaan, Secretary, Multilateral and other international organisations in Geneva and Mr. Mahamane Cissé-Gouro, Director, Human Rights Council and Treaty and Mechanisms Division of OHCHR, as well as representatives of the OHCHR and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in the Maldives.
In her remarks, Secretary, Bilateral Dr. Hala Hameed reflected on the importance of the establishment of the Trust Fund which stands as a testament to empowering the voices of the least developed countries and small island developing states on the global stage, especially for the international discourse on human rights. She further expressed hope that the skills, insights, and networks gained by the participants of the Workshop would support their professional growth and foster a lasting impact beyond the sessions of the Workshop.
A total of 15 participants from countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Gambia, Nepal and Timor Leste, along with six beneficiaries of the Maldives are taking part in this Workshop, scheduled to be held from 3-5 December 2024 in Malé, Maldives.
ENDS