Speaker Abdul Raheem calls to protect countries vulnerable to climate change

Environmentally vulnerable countries like the Maldives face the biggest risk of climate change and require strong support from other countries, said Speaker of the Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla.

Speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Abdul Raheem said the challenges posed by climate change are huge for countries like Maldives, adding that sea level rise and temperature changes have affected the livelihood of locals.

In his statement, he said that the Maldivian economy and lifestyle have also been affected by climate change, and called on member states to support economically vulnerable countries," he said.

Abdul Raheem said it is very important for countries to promote cooperation and dialogue at this time of unrest and economic turbulence.

In his speech, Abdul Raheem also condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and called for international action against them.

The theme of this year's assembly is the role of legislatures in social development and justice.

Speaking on the theme, Abdul Raheem said Maldives cares deeply about social development and security, and that Parliament has worked hard to show the public its commitment to these priorities.

He highlighted that the parliament had passed the Child Rights Protection Act, the Gender Equality Act, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act and the National Social Health Insurance Act to promote social justice. He also said that the country has been implementing these laws to benefit the society via parliamentary committees.

Abdul Raheem said the purpose of the laws is to provide a fair and just society for the people.

“The Maldivian government has always worked towards providing all basic services to the general public,” he said.

He also touched on the importance of promoting economic empowerment through small and medium enterprises and providing assistance especially to such businesses run by youth and women. He also mentioned the grants, loans and training programs provided to such entrepreneurs.