Maldives Highlights Climate Finance and Sea-Level Rise at UN Human Rights Council
- The Maldives prioritised climate financing and protection from sea-level rise at the 63rd UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, framing island challenges as human rights issues.
- It delivered a SIDS joint statement on climate finance, co-organised a side event on sea-level rise, and marked five years of the right to a healthy environment.
- Beyond climate, the Maldives co-sponsored resolutions on youth, nutrition, water, governance and accessibility, and advocated for Palestinian self-determination and humanitarian access.
The Maldives placed climate financing and the protection of communities facing rising seas among its priorities at the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, linking the challenges facing small island states to the protection of human rights.
The session concluded in Geneva on 7 October, with the Council adopting 34 resolutions, two decisions and one President’s statement. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maldives delivered national statements and co-sponsored resolutions covering several thematic and country-specific human rights issues.
Speaking on behalf of the informal group of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Maldives delivered a joint statement during discussions on the Secretary-General’s synthesis report on mobilising sufficient climate financing. The dialogue examined the challenges and opportunities involved in securing financing to support the full realisation of human rights.
The Maldives also co-organised a side event on protecting communities from sea-level rise as a member of the Core Group on Sea-Level Rise. Led by the Dominican Republic, the event considered practical approaches to developing liveable, inclusive and resilient cities. Permanent Representative Dr. Salma Rasheed shared lessons from the Maldives on integrated coastal protection, early warning systems and inclusive local climate action, calling for strong international cooperation that addresses the circumstances of SIDS.
Together with Costa Rica, Morocco and Slovenia, the Maldives organised a separate event marking five years since the Council recognised the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Held in partnership with UN Special Rapporteur Astrid Puentes Riaño, the discussion reviewed progress since the adoption of resolution 48/13, including the International Court of Justice’s 2025 Advisory Opinion on climate change, and considered priorities for implementation over the next five years.
Beyond climate-related issues, the Maldives co-sponsored resolutions on youth, children’s access to nutritious food, safe drinking water and sanitation, good governance and accessibility. It also supported joint statements by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement and individual member states.
The delegation continued to advocate for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, calling for civilian protection, unhindered humanitarian access and a just and lasting peace in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
