The 51st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council has began in Geneva, Switzerland and will continue for four weeks, ending on 7 October 2022. In line with the government’s key policies and priorities, the Maldives’ delegation will engage in Interactive Dialogues and Panel Discussions, and also participate in discussions related to key resolutions.
During this session, the Maldives, on behalf of a group of Small Island Developing States based in Geneva, will deliver a joint statement for the Biennial Panel on the Right to Development. In addition, the Maldives, with a cross regional core group, will put forward a resolution titled “The role of prevention in the promotion and protection of Human Rights”. At the sidelines of the Human Rights Council, the Maldives, along with the core group on Human Rights and Environment, will hold a side event to mark the one-year anniversary of the establishments of the right to clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right at the Human Rights Council. This event will focus on the implementation of this right.
The Maldives’ delegation is led by His Excellency Dr. Asim Ahmed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Offices at Geneva and includes Ms. Hawla Ahmed Didi, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Offices at Geneva, Mr. Hassan Hussain Shihab, Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of the Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Ms. Maryam Fathika Fayaz, Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The Maldives has served as a Member of the Human Rights Council for two conservative terms, from 2011 to 2016. The Maldives also held the Vice-Presidency of the Council throughout 2013, representing the Asia-Pacific Group. The Maldives has presented its candidature to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2023-2025.
The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations System, consisting of 47 Member States that are responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.