Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated the Maldives will not accept any recommendations from countries during the 3rd cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) which contradict the teachings of Islam.
The third cycle of the Maldives’ UPR commenced on November 5 during the 36th Session of the UPR Working Group at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. A total of 97 UN member states delivered statements during the review. The foreign ministry stated the Maldives will welcome all recommendations from fellow UN member states, except any recommendations which contradict the teachings and principles of Islam.
The UPR is a State-driven process under the auspices of the United Nations Human Rights Council aimed at improving human rights situations in all countries, and also addressing violations of human rights wherever they may occur. The UPR Working Group holds three sessions per year. However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Working Group is holding two sessions this year with the opportunity for delegations to participate online.
The Maldives delegation at the UPR was led by Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath. The delegation included several cabinet ministers and other senior government officials.
The third cycle review of the UPR began in 2017 and will conclude on 2021.