Countries have praised the commitment of the Maldives to strengthen its international human rights obligations, at the 3rd cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
The third cycle of the Maldives’ UPR commenced on November 4 during the 36th Session of the UPR Working Group at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The Maldives was represented at the review, by a high-level delegation headed by Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath. The delegation also comprised of cabinet ministers, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General’s Office.
A total of 97 UN member states delivered statements during the review, of which a large majority commended the goodwill demonstrated by the Maldives in the promotion and protection of human rights and presented their recommendations for the Government’s consideration. Most member states noted the progress achieved by the Maldives in the areas of judicial and democratic reform; advancement of women’s rights and gender equality; improvement in health services; regularization of migrant workers and the re-engagement with the International Human Rights Treaty Bodies.
In response to the interventions from the floor, Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure the delivery of a safe environment in a rights-based society to the people of Maldives to enjoy freedom and dignity.
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 Third Cycle review of the Universal Periodic Review began in 2017 and will conclude in 2021.