The 50th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council Session begins in Geneva
The 50th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council began today in Geneva, Switzerland and will continue for four weeks, ending on 8 July 2022. In line with the government’s key policies and priorities, the Maldives’ delegation will constructively engage in Interactive Dialogues and Panel Discussions and participate in discussions relating to resolutions.
During this session, Maldives, along with the core group on the Freedom of Association and Assembly and the core group on the Independence and Impartiality of the Judiciary, Jurors and Assessors, and the Independence of Lawyers, will table two resolutions to the Human Rights Council. Maldives, together with the core group of countries, will also host a side event titled “Freedom of association and assembly in 2022 and beyond: contemporary challenges and opportunities”. Maldives will also actively engage in the negotiations and co-sponsor several resolutions.
Maldives will deliver national statements during several interactive dialogues and participate in panel discussions on key priority areas. These include agenda items related to the Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem, climate change, health, education, discrimination against women, and state responses to the pandemic. Maldives will also participate in the High-Level Commemorative Event that will be held on 15 June 2022, to mark the 50th Session of the Human Rights Council. The President of the 76th Session of the General Assembly, His Excellency Abdulla Shahid will deliver the Key Note Address at the Commemorative Event.
The delegation from Maldives for the 50th Session of the Human Rights Council is headed by His Excellency Dr. Asim Ahmed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Offices at Geneva. The delegation will also include Ms. Hawla Ahmed Didi, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Offices at Geneva, Mr. Hassan Hussain Shihab, Counsellor of the Maldives Mission to the United Nations Offices at Geneva and Mr. Adam Hamid, Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Maldives has served as a Member of the Human Rights Council for two conservative terms, from 2011 to 2016. Maldives also held the Vice-Presidency of the Council throughout 2013, representing the Asia-Pacific Group. Maldives has presented its candidature to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2023-2025, the elections for which is scheduled to be held during the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in October 2022, in New York.
The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations System, consisting of 47 Member States that are responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.