The delegation of Maldives actively participated in the 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was held in Geneva, Switzerland.

It wrapped up on April 5.

The Human Rights Council passed 34 resolutions and appointed 14 special procedures mandate holders during the session.

The delegation of Maldives contributed actively during the session, and delivered 30 national statements.

The delegation also co-sponsored 17 resolutions covering a wide range of thematic areas that aligned with key priorities of the administration.

Some of these priorities include the provision of adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, establishing support systems that ensure the inclusivity of persons with disabilities and fulfilling rights of children, as well as ensuring the rights of the Palestinians to self-determination.

The delegation from Maldives also supported thematic areas revolving around inclusive social protection, guaranteeing the right to work as well as the right to non-discrimination.

Maldives further supported the decision to utilize remote participation modalities to facilitate hybrid meetings for the Human Rights Council to enhance participation for delegations with limited resources.

In addition to this, Maldives co-sponsored 34 joint statements including statements by the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Maldives delivered a joint statement emphasizing the need for enhanced technical and financial assistance for capacity building for SIDS to participate in the work of the HRC, as the representative of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Having played a pivotal role in advocating for the protection of journalists and freedom of expression in Palestine, Maldives delivered a joint statement on behalf of several countries which shed light on the urgent need to protect the rights of journalists and ensuring freedom of expression and assembly in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Demonstrating strong commitment to the Palestinian cause, Maldives co-sponsored five joint statements particularly focusing on the suffering in Gaza.

The statements revolved around multiple themes including children, women and girls, persons with disabilities as well as the destruction of housing and infrastructure.

Maldives voted in favor of four resolutions concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory as well. This, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, mirrors the government’s unwavering support for the struggle of Palestinians for self-determination.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sheryna Abdul Samad led the Maldives delegation.

The delegation included Chargé d’affaires of the Permanent Mission of Maldives to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations at Geneva Dr. Salma Rasheed, Counsellor Adam Hamid, Counsellor Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim, First Secretary Fathimath Razana, Second Secretary Maryam Fathika Fayaz, Attaché Raaidh Saeed from the Permanent Mission, and Chief Desk Officer Fathin Shoora Haleem from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.