UN High Commissioner for Human Rights commends the Government of Maldives for Commitment and Political Will on Human Rights Promotion

05 September 2019

High Commissioner for Human Rights, H.E. Ms. Michelle Bachelet held an informal conversation with observer and member states today at the UN office in Geneva.

High Commissioner mentioned that her oral update during the upcoming 42nd Session of the Human Rights Council, would be focused on Urgent Climate Action. She explained that 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals would be wiped away if states did not urgently address the issue of climate change.

The High Commissioner also noted in response to comments and questions posed by Member States and Observer States, that concentration should be given to positive aspects that come with the Human Rights promotion. She highlighted on the need to introduce good stories into the council session and for governments to share their success stories with the protection and promotion of human rights, strengthening democracy and good governance. She mentioned Maldives explaining that Maldives, after the Presidential Election of 2018 and as soon as the new government came into Office, they had reached to OHCHR for more support and for a human rights advisor. She stated that the Maldives is an example of a good story of human rights.

Speaking at the informal meeting, Permanent Representative of the Maldives Ambassador Hala Hameed, thanked the High Commissioner for her focus on Urgent Climate Action and as a Small Island Developing State appreciates her leadership in addressing climate change from the perspective of human rights.

Ambassador Hala also informed the audience of the appointment of two distinguished women judges to the Supreme Court of the Maldives by President Solih. She states that these important developments show the commitment of the Government and are positive results that are associated with the work of the OHCHR and the Special Procedures Mandate Holders, and the fruitful dialogue with them. Ambassador Hala Hameed assured High Commissioner the support of the Government of Maldives to the work of the OHCHR.