Male’, Maldives — The Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdullah Shahid has informed that the country is working on solving the human rights issues and has made significant strides in upholding and protecting human rights in the country.
Minister Shahid said this while speaking at a video message for the 46th high level segment of the human rights council. The high level segment is the first segment of this year’s human rights council session. The Foreign Ministry informed that this year’s council meetings will be held in Geneva, Switzerland and through virtual events.
In his video message, Minister Shahid highlighted on the progress made by Maldives in promoting and protecting human rights in both Maldives and in abroad. He further noted that the achievements gained by the Maldives, to the foreign policy and development framework adopted by the Government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Minister Shahid also highlighted the recent ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and reiterated the commitment of the Maldives to deliver on the recommendations received during its Universal Periodic Review last year.
Minister Shahid assured that the standing invitation extended to the Special Procedures Mandate Holders remains unchanged and welcomed all future visits.
Minister Shahid further talked about the steps undertaken by the Government to tackle major human rights issues in the Maldives, with a particular focus on combating human trafficking, achieving transitional justice, maintaining the rule of law and promoting the empowerment of vulnerable communities.
Before concluding his message, Minister Shahid also reiterated the Maldives’ position on important global humanitarian issues and expressed concern for the people of Palestine and the Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar.
While highlighting the progress Maldives has made in terms of human rights protection, Minister Shahid conveyed the nation’s interest in working with the international community to build on the present accomplishments.
