12th December 2012, Male'; The Maldives has been nominated as the next Vice-Chair of the Human Rights Council, representing the Asian Group. Together with the Maldives countries elected as the vice chair of the Human Rights Council include Mauritania, Ecuador and Switzerland.
As a responsible member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Maldives has always pledged to uphold the constitution, the principles of human rights and towards strengthening our democratic fabric. State Minister Dunya at a press conference held on Monday stated that Maldives being elected as a vice chair of the Human Rights council shows a clear sign of the confidence that the international community has in the human rights commitment and track record of the Maldives. Maldives has signed and ratified seven out of the nine core human rights conventions including ICCPR, ICESCR, CAT, CEDAW and CRC. At the press conference State Minister further reiterated Government's commitment towards ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of the Migrant Workers and Members of their Families and International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances.
Maldives was elected as the member of the Human Rights Council in 2010 with a record number of votes from the United Nations General Assembly members. Maldives will hold its vice chairmanship of the council from 1 January to 31 December 2013.
End.