Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim has said that “Being a small state does not prevent the Maldives from promoting the values and principles that underpin the international human rights mechanisms”.
Addressing the Human Rights Council for the first time at the High Level Segment of the Thirty Fourth Session of the Human Rights Council, Minister Asim emphasised on the importance of the Human Rights Council to the Maldives. Speaking about advancements in Maldives, Minister Asim outlined some of the major achievements made in terms of gender, health, education and economic development.
“The partnership with the UN has helped Maldives consolidate democracy and strengthening human rights, and reiterated our commitment to work closely with the UN,” Minister Asim noted. The Foreign Minister also informed the Council,of the continued commitment and efforts of the current President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, to promote human rights through human development.
“We need to cultivate and promote a culture of respect and a culture of tolerance more than ever before,” Minister Asim stated.
Maldives has been a member of the Human Rights Council for two consecutive terms in 2011-2013 and 2014- 2016 and currently on a one year mandatory break. Maldives has put forth its candidature for the Human Rights Council for the term 2018-2020.