Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated that the Maldives will continue to defend human rights despite being a small island nation. He made the remark in a video message released prior to joining the High-Level Segment of the 52nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
In the message, Minister Shahid highlighted the significance of the Maldives participating in the High-Level Segment of the UNHRC for the first time. He also noted that the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations (UN) Offices in Geneva Dr. Asim Ahmed will serve as the Vice President of the UNHRC.
Additionally, Minister Shahid said the Maldives has been involved in the work of the UNHRC since its formation in 2006 and will call for the defence of human rights and democratic principles at the High-Level Segment. He also said that the Maldives will voice its support for gender equality and strengthen bilateral relations with other countries.
Furthermore, Minister Shahid said he will increase awareness of how climate change impacts human rights, and call for more participation from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the youth in the efforts to defend human rights. He added that the participation of the Maldives in the High-Level Segment will show the positive impact of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s foreign policy.