The promotion and protection of human rights is one of the integral pillars of the Maldivian foreign policy
Every year on International Human Rights Day, we reaffirm our commitment towards upholding the inalienable rights and fundamental values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since its adoption in 1948, the Declaration has served as a beacon of hope for humanity and guaranteed freedom and equality to all persons regardless of their identity and origin.
As we commemorate this year’s occasion on the theme “Recover Better - Stand up for Human Rights”, establishing equality, justice and peace has never been more crucial. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely undermined global efforts to promote and protect human rights and exposed the injustices and systemic inequalities inflicted upon humanity over generations. It is important to adopt an inclusive human rights centric approach in addressing the increasing humanitarian needs and in strengthening our response to human rights abuses. The international community must work together in solidarity to realise a world free from inequalities and discrimination, fully guided by the overarching principles of the Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030.
The promotion and protection of human rights is one of the integral pillars of the Maldivian foreign policy. We accord high priority to the alignment of domestic legislations and international human rights obligations, as a signatory to seven out of nine core human rights instruments. As we embark on the final stages of ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Government’s resolve to further our human rights aspirations remain stronger than before.