Maldives has presented its candidature for membership at the UN Human Rights Council, revealed the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.

The announcement was made for the term 2023-2025 during a high-level side event organized by the Contact Group Council Membership, on the sidelines of the 43rd Human Rights Council Session.

During the event, the foreign minister vowed to uphold values of justice and respect for human rights and guaranteed all member states that Maldives will act as a voice for all countries, if elected.

Held under the theme “towards a more inclusive, representative and responsible council”, the event also saw Shahid raising a inquiries during panel discussions in regards to the representation of Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries in the Human Rights Council.

As such, the Maldives foreign minister reassured members states that Maldives will remain committed to work with compatible groups in order to strengthen inclusivity and diversity in the council.

Shahid also reiterated the significance of universal participation in this regard.

Maldives played a prominent role to protect and promote human rights in the international arena, after being elected to the council for two consecutive terms from 2011-2016.

The archipelago nation initiated a dialogue on the relationship linking human rights to climate change. This in turn led to the establishment of the Voluntary Trust Fund for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva Dr. Hala Hameed, Ambassador-at-large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Asim Ahmed, and officials at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva accompany FM Shahid during this trip.