Monday 13th September 2010, Geneva:The 15th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council began today in Geneva, with the Maldives taking its seat as one of the Council's 47 member States for the first time. The Human Rights Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. The Maldives was elected to the Council last May in elections held at the General Assembly in New York - securing highest number of votes of any country and the highest number of votes in the history of body. That vote, and today's elevation to the Council, reflect the Maldives' growing international reputation, under the current Government, as a regional and global human rights champion.
The 15th Session of the Council, which will run from 13 September to the 1 October at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is expected to address a range of important issues including the international community's response to the Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, the human rights situation in various global hotspots, human trafficking, the right to safe drinking water and sanitation, global efforts against gender discrimination, and a new US initiative to strengthen freedom of association and freedom of assembly. The Council will also vote on various UN resolutions designed to protect human rights around the world.
As a Member, the Maldives will play a key role in negotiating resolutions, clarifying international human rights law, and responding to human rights violations. The Maldives delegation, led by H.E. Ambassador Iruthisham Adam, will focus in particular on priority issues for the Maldives such as women's rights, children's rights, torture prevention, environmental rights, the rights of persons with disabilities and the independence of the judiciary.
Speaking from New York where he is attending the UN General Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, said: "Taking up our membership of the Human Rights Council represents an important milestone in the democratic history of the country. It is the Government's wish and intention that our membership will help build domestic enthusiasm for and momentum behind our ongoing national efforts to pursue the full enjoyment of human rights in the Maldives. As always, our foreign policy will be premised, first and foremost, on bringing benefits and positive change to the Maldives".
ENDS
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fathulla Jameel Building, Malé, 20077, Republic of Maldives, | Tel Number: 00960 332-3400 | Emergency Contact: 00960 798-3400