Mr. President,
High Commissioner for Human Rights,
Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen.
Let me begin, Mr. President, by congratulating you on your election as the President of the Council. I assure you of my delegation’s support and cooperation in discharging your duties. We gather here at a moment of profound consequence. A moment that demands not just reflection, but immediate action. Across the world, we are witnessing a rise in inequalities, marginalization of vulnerable communities, conflict, crises, and calamities. Challenges that continue to shake the very foundations of our shared humanity. These challenges bring us to the great test of our time; whether we just stand by and recognise these challenges, or whether we summon enough courage and conviction to meet them head on.
Mr. President,
Our commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to embrace a culture of respect for human rights, is reflected in our actions. The Maldives is party to eight of the nine core human rights treaties, demonstrating our deep-seated dedication to upholding fundamental freedoms. We have been championing inclusivity in this Council, ensuring that Least
Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States have a seat at the table through the Voluntary Trust Fund. In the past year, we successfully participated in the Second Periodic Review of the ICCPR and submitted our Second Periodic Report under the Convention Against Torture. This year we will undergo reviews under the CRC, CERD and CRPD, along with the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. This is by no means a small feat. But we are determined to fulfil our obligations. Our international commitments mirror our national agenda.
Gender equality is at the heart of that agenda. Because we believe: when women rise, societies rise. Through our Gender Equality Action Plan, we have empowered women to lead, build and innovate. We have sought to enhance women’s participation in politics and strengthened their economic independence to ensure their full and equal contribution
to the nation’s development and prosperity. We are also committed to building a fully inclusive society where persons with disabilities are empowered to lead dignified lives. Our National Action Plan on Disability Inclusion is a five-year roadmap focused on ensuring access to healthcare,
education, employment, and accessibility. We are proud that the Maldives played a pioneering role in the historic recognition of the Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment as a universal human right. But as we speak, the climate crisis is unfolding around us at a fast pace, threatening not just our livelihoods, but our fundamental rights. Rising sea levels, extreme weather, and environmental degradation have constantly plunged our right to food, clean water, and health in jeopardy. So, we reiterate, recognition alone is not enough—we must operationalize this right. As part of this effort, in the Maldives, we are installing renewable energy systems to meet 33% of our country’s electricity demand and developing Ras Malé as a Net Zero Carbon Eco City.
Recognising and acknowledging is also not enough in the case of the unimaginable devastation that unfolded in Gaza, for over 15 months. The Council cannot and should not look away. But speak with moral clarity and unequivocally condemn Israel’s crimes against humanity. For how we act today, will be one of the greatest tests our shared commitment to justice, to human dignity, and to the principles of UN Charter that binds us all. The Maldives welcomes last month’s ceasefire agreement but let us be clear: ceasefires are not lasting solutions. The international community must do more than rebuild what was destroyed. We must restore the dignity, the rights, and the lives of the Palestinian people.
Mr President,
This is our final year in this Council for this term. When we were first elected to this Council in 2010, we were the smallest country to take a seat. Yet, time and again, we have proved that size does not determine the power of its voice, the sincerity of its convictions, and the ability to inspire change. We are proud of our contributions to the mission of this Council. From assuming the Vice Presidency in 2023, to establishing a voluntary trust fund for SIDS and LDCs to leading the international recognition of the human right to a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment, we have strived to be a source of hope and a voice of strength – especially for those underrepresented. We seek to continue this role, because we believe that every voice—no matter how small—deserves to be heard. Let the choices we make today serve as a testament to our collective resolve, our unity, and our shared conscience. Choices that speak to the world we hope to build, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
A world that stands up for human rights.
A world that upholds justice.
A world that affirms humanity.
I thank you.