Maldives has garnered praise from the international community for its steady progress in upholding and promoting human rights, following its successful participation in the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) held at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland.
The UPR is a global peer-review mechanism under the United Nations Human Rights Council that assesses the human rights performance of all UN member states. The process involves a comprehensive evaluation based on three key documents: a national report submitted by the state under review, a compilation of UN information, and reports from stakeholders such as NGOs and civil society organizations. Each session concludes with a 3.5-hour discussion where member states raise questions and present recommendations for the reviewed country.
During the Maldives’ session, Attorney General Ahmed Usham led the national delegation and detailed the country’s recent efforts in advancing civil and political rights, promoting social justice, and empowering communities in need of special care. He reaffirmed the country’s resolve to build a more equitable and rights-based society. A total of 104 countries participated in the review session, with many states commending the Maldives for actively implementing key recommendations from the previous UPR cycle.
The review also resulted in a set of new recommendations for consideration. These focused on areas such as strengthening gender equality, advancing children’s rights, mitigating climate-related vulnerabilities, and improving access to healthcare and well-being services. Member states further advised continued efforts in fostering participatory governance, particularly in the formulation of national development plans. Maldives is expected to announce, by 12 December, which of the recommendations it will formally accept for implementation.
Representing the government at the forum, Minister of Social and Family Development Dr Aishath Shiham delivered a powerful address affirming the Maldives’ dedication to strengthening human rights protections, especially for vulnerable groups. She emphasized the administration’s people-centered approach to development and shared the ongoing work spearheaded under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership, including targeted social assistance, early identification of at-risk families, and inclusive empowerment initiatives.
A focal point of the Minister’s remarks was the administration’s efforts to elevate women’s representation across various sectors. Citing the impact of the Decentralization Act, she noted that legislative reforms had led to a substantial rise in female participation in local governance. Women now occupy 39.7% of local council seats, an impressive increase from just 6.1% in 2017. This is due in part to the allocation of 33% of council seats to women, a quota introduced to ensure gender inclusivity in policy formulation at the community level.
Further statistics shared at the forum highlight the government’s achievements in gender parity across civil service leadership. Women currently hold 83% of senior roles within the civil service and represent 56% of executive positions. The legal profession has also seen a significant shift, with women accounting for 49% of practicing lawyers in the Maldives.
Economic empowerment of women has also been prioritized. The Minister introduced a new USD 6.5 million loan scheme aimed at boosting women-led enterprises. Notably, 25% of this scheme has been reserved for individuals with disabilities, reinforcing the government’s inclusive approach to economic development.
As the Maldives continues its journey of social advancement and rights-based reform, the recognition at the UPR stage reflects growing international confidence in the country’s policies. The administration’s emphasis on inclusivity, institutional reform, and legal protections serves as a model of commitment to international human rights standards, offering visiting tourists not only a destination of natural beauty but also a nation striving for equality, justice, and dignity for all.
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