Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid on Tuesday announced the candidature of Maldives for the membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the term 2023-2025.
The foreign ministry revealed that the minister made the announcement during a Contact Group Council Membership event, held on the sidelines of the 43rd UNHRC Session in Geneva.
The foreign minister pledged, on behalf of the Maldivian government, to uphold the values of justice, fairness and respect for human rights, assuring that the island nation would act as a voice for all countries if elected.
Minister Shahid participated in the panel discussion during the event, which was held under the theme 'Towards a more inclusive, representative and responsible council'. The minster raised questions regarding the representation of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries in the UNHRC, stressing the importance of universal participation.
He also asserted Maldives’ commitment to work towards strengthening inclusivity and diversity in the UNHRC.
Maldives was previously elected twice consecutively to the UNHRC from 2011-2016, during which the archipelago initiated discourse on the link between climate change and human rights. The dialogue subsequently led to the establishment of the Voluntary Trust Fund for SIDS.
The foreign minister is due to address the 43rd Session of the UNHRC on Tuesday evening. In his statement, he will highlight the Maldivian government's achievements in human rights as well as address human rights issues around the world.
He is accompanied by Permanent Representative of Maldives to the UN Office in Geneva Dr Hala Hameed, Ambassador-at-large at the foreign ministry Dr Asim Ahmed, and officials at the Permanent Mission of Maldives to the UN Office in Geneva.
Sign In