Ref: 2024/PR/76
The 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council concluded in Geneva, Switzerland on 5 April 2024.
During the session, the Human Rights Council passed 34 resolutions and appointed 14 Special Procedures Mandate holders. The Maldives delegation contributed actively by delivering 30 national statements and co-sponsoring 17 resolutions covering a wide range of thematic areas that aligned with key government priorities. These key priorities included the provision of adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, establishing support systems that ensure the inclusivity of Persons with Disabilities and fulfilling of the rights of the child, and ensuring the right of the Palestinian People to Self-Determination. The Maldives delegation also supported thematic areas centering on inclusive social protection, guaranteeing the right to work, the right to non-discrimination. Further, the Maldives supported the decision to utilise remote participation modalities to facilitate hybrid meetings for the Human Rights Council to enhance participation for delegations with limited resources.
The Maldives co-sponsored 34 joint statements including statements by the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Representing the group of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Maldives delivered a joint statement emphasizing the need for enhanced technical and financial assistance for capacity building for SIDS to participate in the work of the Council.
The Maldives also played a pivotal role in advocating for the protection of journalists and freedom of expression in Palestine, delivering a joint statement on behalf of several countries. This statement emphasized the vital need for protecting the right of journalists and ensuring freedom of expression and assembly in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Furthermore, the Maldives demonstrated its strong commitment to the Palestinian cause, by co-sponsoring five joint statements particularly focusing on the suffering in Gaza. These statements covered various themes, including children, women and girls, persons with disabilities, and the destruction of housing and infrastructure. Importantly, the Maldives voted in favour of four resolutions concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which demonstrates the Government’s unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.
The Maldives delegation was led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sheryna Abdul Samad and was further accompanied by Chargé d’affaires of the Permanent Mission of Maldives to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations at Geneva, Dr. Salma Rasheed, Counsellor Adam Hamid, Counsellor Uza. Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim, First Secretary Fathimath Razana, Second Secretary Maryam Fathika Fayaz, Attaché Raaidh Saeedh, from the Permanent Mission and Chief Desk Officer Fathin Shoora Haleem from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
ENDS.