The Maldives and the United States (US) have deliberated on their respective memberships at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and exchanged areas of priority in the field of human rights.
The discussion was held between the Permanent Representative of the US to the UNHRC Michèle Taylor and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid. Ambassador Taylor is undertaking an official visit to the Maldives from January 14-17 to hold discussions with government officials and members of the civil society.
During the meeting, Minister Shahid outlined the vision set by the Maldives to advance the key areas of its focus at the UNHRC, which include the promotion of gender equality and elimination of violence against women and girls, youth advocacy, climate change, and environment, civil society engagement and inclusivity at the Human Rights Council.
Furthermore, Minister Shahid reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, as one of the three pillars of its foreign policy. He recognized the US as an important partner of the Maldives in bilateral and multilateral spheres and expressed gratitude towards the assistance provided by the US, especially in advancing fundamental rights.