Foreign Secretary Ahmed Latheef has attended an event organized jointly by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM).

The event, held to mark the Human Rights Day 2022, also commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) under the theme “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All.”

The event saw Latheef delivering remarks, where he reaffirmed the Maldivian government’s commitment to the values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

Shedding light on the progress achieved by the Maldives in the field of human rights over the years, both domestically and internationally, Foreign Secretary Lateef stressed on the efforts undertaken by the government of Maldives, to enhance the political and legislative framework to further promote the rights of vulnerable groups, including that of women and children.

In his speech, Latheef also touched upon the historic election of the Maldives to the membership of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a third time and expressed hope that assuming a seat at the council next year would allow the archipelago nation to continue its advocacy on priority areas such as the intersection between human rights and environment as well as democratic consolidation.

Shedding light on the notable engagements of the Maldives within the Human Rights Council in the past, Latheef assured that the archipelago nation will continue to pursue a future with equality at the core, for its people.

Mariyam Muna, the President of HRCM, UN Resident Coordinator Catherine Haswell as well as members of the diplomatic corporations, government dignitaries, the civil society, and the academia attended the event.

The event also featured panel discussions and video screenings on three thematic areas including gender discrimination at the workplace, rights of migrant workers and rights of persons with disabilities.

Human Rights Day is observed on December 10 annually which marks the day UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in 1948.