The Maldives has taken a prominent stance at the 59th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, demonstrating its commitment to international human rights advocacy and diplomatic engagement. The high-stakes session, running through July 9th, provides a critical platform for addressing global human rights challenges.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk launched the session with a comprehensive overview of the current global human rights landscape, setting the stage for critical international dialogues. The Maldivian delegation, led by Ambassador Dr. Salma Rasheed, is strategically positioned to make significant contributions to these crucial discussions.
In a bold diplomatic move, the Maldives will collaborate with the Core Group on the Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association to present a resolution renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association. This initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to protecting fundamental human rights on the international stage.
The delegation will leverage its membership in the Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to amplify concerns about escalating human rights violations worldwide. A key focus will be the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, which the Maldivian representatives will address across multiple agenda items.
Particularly noteworthy is the Maldives’ planned participation in the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, highlighting the nation’s proactive approach to addressing complex international human rights challenges. The delegation’s comprehensive strategy reflects a nuanced understanding of global human rights dynamics.
The Maldivian delegation comprises a distinguished team of diplomatic professionals, including:
• Ambassador Dr. Salma Rasheed, Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva
• Counsellor Adam Hamid
• Counsellor Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim
• Second Secretaries Aishath Rayahyn and Amr Danyal Shamoon
• Attaché Raaidh Saeedh
As a current member of the UN Human Rights Council with a term extending until 2025, the Maldives continues to play a crucial role in the global human rights ecosystem. The Council, comprising 47 Member States, serves as a critical multilateral platform for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.
This diplomatic engagement represents a significant opportunity for the Maldives to influence international human rights discourse and demonstrate its commitment to global humanitarian principles.
