Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has stated that the Maldives prioritises upholding the principles of human rights in its pursuit of development. He made these remarks at the opening ceremony panel discussion on human rights at the Human Rights 75 high-level event in Geneva, Switzerland.
Speaking during the panel discussion, Vice President Latheef said that equality emphasises the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the inherent dignity of all individuals, leaving no room for partiality. He also said that the concept of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's development route is to prioritise the "human" in the pursuit of development.
Additionally, Vice President Latheef noted that while they commemorate 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it was crucial to shed light on the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reiterating the Maldives’ call for an immediate and urgent end to the war in Gaza. He added that the current situation in Gaza and other areas of geopolitical conflict serves as a poignant example of the urgent need for global solidarity in upholding human rights.
Furthermore, Vice President Latheef emphasised five points: first, human rights are "non-negotiable" and should be held as minimum standards to uphold each person's dignity. Second, human rights promotion should be a comprehensive strategy involving governments, businesses, civil society organisations, international bodies, and individuals. Third, human rights education should be promoted at all levels and fourth, it is critical to acknowledge and value the role of multilateralism and the rules-based international order in promoting and safeguarding our communities to promote peace, security, and development. He also said that young people's growing involvement in the discourse around climate change and human rights should be encouraged, as it offers hope for inclusive policies and actions.