Despite being one of the smallest nations, Maldives’ commitment to the Universal Periodic Review process remains “unwavering”, says Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Asim Ahmed.
The Permanent Representative made this remark at the session to review Maldives, in the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, virtually on Wednesday evening.
During his statement at the session held in Palais des Nations, Geneva on Wednesday, Dr. Asim noted that Maldives has ratified and exceeded to many instruments keeping true to the commitment to international human rights law during the past two years.
Highlighting that Maldives also signed and ratified the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapons in September 2019 in addition to the conventions highlighted by AG Riffath in his opening statement, Dr. Asim stated that Maldives recalls recommendations from the cycle held before, which revolved around becoming party to certain conventions on treaties.
In light of this Dr. Asim revealed that the similar recommendations received during Wednesday’s review session were noted.
In exceeding to conventions, especially in the current climate, we are compelled to be mindful of the available resource envelope and our other domestic priorities. We may be one of the smallest nations, but our commitment to the UPR process in unwavering. We have keenly listened to each and every one of you, your comments on concerns and recommendations.”Dr. Asim Ahmed, Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations Office in Geneva
Expressing pride in having presented the incumbent administration’s progress in the advancement of human rights as well as many challenges facing the country, Dr. Asim expressed hope that the country has been able to address questions raised during Wednesday’s session’s thematic interventions.
The government is confident of countering challenges and emerge successful in its journey to mainstream human rights in all aspects of governance with the international community’s guidance and support, said Dr. Asim who went on to reassure that Maldives will give “maximum” consideration to the recommendations.
I am pleased to announce that the government is in the final stages of establishing a national mechanism for reporting and follow-up. This standing mechanism will seek to ensure coherence in formulation of national reports and timely and systematic follow-up, on the progress of implementation. I wish to thank stakeholders for their committed engagement in this process and guidance with their valuable reports”Dr. Asim Ahmed, Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations Office in Geneva
The Permanent Representative also expressed sincere gratitude to the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Human Rights Council, and the UPR Secretariat and the conference management services including the translators for all the assistance and efforts.
He concluded his statement by highlighting that it is the government’s hope that the international community will continue to be a constructive and a collaborative partner to the Maldives as always, in overcoming the challenges to realize our objectives in all areas.
During Wednesday’s interactive session, countries made remarks on information presented by the Maldives in the ‘National Report’ submitted on February 3 this year, alongside stakeholder reports submitted by civil society and the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and findings of UN bodies. 98 countries made recommendations on the situation of human rights provision in the island nation, and Maldives was given a deadline until December 14, to reach a decision on positions on the recommendations received at the Session.
Following the session, adoption of the UPR Working Group’s Report on Maldives will be held on November 6.
