The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, on Friday, concluded its review of Maldives at the third cycle of its Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
According to the Attorney General's Office, Maldives adopted the recommendations highlighted in the report presented by the UPR Working Group at its 36th Session.
The report encompasses the recommendations given by the 95 Member States participating in the review session that began on November 4.
During the interactive dialogue, all member states listed commended the country on its progress led by the administration in enhancing governance and the legislative framework, in addition to judicial reforms and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Maldives received a total of 259 recommendations mainly covering the areas of governance, ratifying international human rights instruments, further urging the government to continue its efforts in the area of gender equality, child protection, combatting human trafficking and addressing climate change.
"Maldives is required to give a position on these recommendations by December 14th 2020", said the Attorney General's (AG) Office.
"Maldives will consult relevant stakeholders, and account for the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives, legislation in force and tenets of Islam, in considering our position on the recommendations".
AG Office also noted this specific review cycle as "uniquely significant" considering that Maldives is represented by a delegation comprising of several cabinet ministers - a first for the country.
The Maldivian delegation, which participated virtually, was headed by Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath, while Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations Office Dr Asim Ahmed in Geneva and officials from the Permanent Mission participated in the session in person.
Thematic interventions on various sectors were also delivered by Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail, and Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla.
The UPR process aims to improve the human rights situations in all countries, along with addressing violations. It involves a review of the human rights records of all member states of the UN, where each state declares the actions taken to improve the human rights situations in their respective countries
The UPR Working Group holds three two-week sessions per year. The UPR is currently in the midst of its Third Cycle review which began in 2017 and will conclude in 2021. Maldives will be reviewed again in 2025.
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