Countries have praised Maldives’ commitment to strengthen its international human rights obligations at the 3rd cycle of the Universal Periodic Review.
The Maldives is represented at the review, by a high-level delegation headed by Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath and also included Home Minister Imran Abdullah, Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail as well as Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi briefed.
A total of 97 UN Member States delivered statements during the review, of which a large majority commended the goodwill demonstrated by the 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.
Home Minister Imran highlighted the Government’s efforts to build a more tolerant society, to combat all forms of radicalization, and to strengthen mutual respect and understanding among the population while Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi briefed the Member States on the Government’s unified vision for the Maldivian social sector which is captured in the Strategic Action Plan that identifies realistic and strategic targets to enhance the existing social protection system in the Maldives.
She then emphasized the Government’s ongoing work to eliminate all forms of child rights violations.
Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail also outlined the Government’s nationwide regularization program that is continuing despite the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
All interventions by the Attorney General and Ministers were delivered via pre-recorded video.
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 the 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.
