Foreign minister returns from UNHRC session

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid returned to Maldives on Thursday morning, after attending the High-level Segment of the 43rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

The minister traveled to Geneva on Monday, and addressed the UNHRC high-level segment the next day where he reaffirmed Maldives’ commitment to the “promotion and protection of human rights.”

He also highlighted the country’s various developments since the current administration took over in November 2018, and reiterated its commitment to working “constructively” alongside the international community.

He added that the country’s re-engagement with the community comes after years of ‘painful legacy authoritarianism and culture of impunity.’

While the previous administration’s decision to isolate the country from the international community is evident in its decision to leave the Commonwealth, Minister Shahid also highlighted that the country was officially readmitted to the organization this month.

Further noting that incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s commitment and dedication to upholding human rights, the foreign minister noted that the president assumed office “pledging to prioritize human dignity and the sanctity of human life to carry out substantial institutional reforms and to pursue good governance.”

The country’s top diplomat also participated in three side events, and met with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on the sidelines of the segment.

At the meeting, Shahid reiterated Maldives’ “full commitment to promotion and protection of human rights” and briefed her on the country’s achievements. He also thanked her for UNHRC’s “continued assistance and cooperation.”

He also met with other foreign diplomats, including Seychelles’ Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Barry Faure, Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani of Georgia, and Morocco’s Minister of State In Charge of Human Rights Musthapha Al Ramid.