Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel has concluded his participation in the High Level Segment of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, where the Maldives reinforced its continued engagement with global human rights mechanisms and highlighted its commitment to constructive multilateral cooperation. The participation reflected the country’s ongoing efforts to contribute actively to international dialogue while strengthening partnerships that support the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.
Delivering the Maldives’ national statement during the High Level General Debate, Minister Khaleel reaffirmed the nation’s adherence to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and emphasized the importance of collaborative engagement among countries to advance universal human rights standards. He underscored the value of dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility within multilateral platforms, noting that sustained international collaboration remains essential in addressing evolving human rights challenges and promoting inclusive and equitable development across regions.
On the margins of the session, Minister Khaleel held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts and senior representatives from Angola, Cuba, Rwanda, Kyrgyz Republic, Slovakia, Iceland, Slovenia, San Marino, Russia, and the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, alongside discussions with representatives of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission. These engagements focused on strengthening cooperation within international human rights processes, exchanging perspectives on shared priorities, and enhancing diplomatic collaboration across diverse regions. The meetings also provided opportunities to deepen partnerships and reinforce the Maldives’ active role within global diplomatic and human rights networks.
The Minister also met with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Director General of the International Labour Organization, reflecting the Maldives’ continued engagement with key international institutions. During discussions with the International Labour Organization, the Maldives formally deposited the Instrument of Ratification for the 1986 Amendment to the ILO Constitution, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening participation in international labour governance frameworks and aligning national practices with globally recognised labour standards.
In addition to official engagements, Minister Khaleel participated as a panellist in a side event titled “Advancing Human Rights and Equality: Investing in Women’s Political Leadership in Multilateralism,” organised by the Permanent Mission of Slovenia and co-sponsored by the Maldives. The discussion highlighted the growing importance of women’s political leadership in shaping inclusive and representative multilateral decision-making processes, with participants sharing perspectives on expanding opportunities for women’s participation in global governance and policy development.
During the session, the Maldives also announced its candidature for election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2028–2030 term, signalling its intention to further expand its contribution to the Council’s work and strengthen its engagement in advancing international human rights dialogue. The announcement reflects the country’s broader vision of participating actively in global platforms while promoting cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared progress in advancing human dignity and rights for all.
advertisment
advertisment
