Maldives on Monday urged the world to show commitment to justice, to human dignity and to the principles of the United Nations (U.N) Charter to ensure the rights of Palestinians and stop Israel’s crimes against humanity.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel delivering the national statement at the High-level Segment of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council, in Geneva on Monday insisted that recognising and acknowledging is not enough in the case of the unimaginable devastation that unfolded in Gaza, for over 15 months.
“The Council cannot and should not look away. But speak with moral clarity and unequivocally condemn Israel’s crimes against humanity,” Minister Dr Khaleel said.
“For how we act today, will be one of the greatest tests of our shared commitment to justice, to human dignity, and to the principles of the U.N Charter that binds us all.”
The Minister, while welcoming last month’s ceasefire agreement, insisted that it was not a lasting solution. He called upon the international community to do more than rebuild what was destroyed.
“We must restore the dignity, the rights, and the lives of the Palestinian people,” he said.
Reaffirming the commitment to fulfilling Maldives’ international obligations and advancing the pursuit to promote and protect human rights, Minister Dr Khaleel reflected on Maldives’ achievements as a Member of the Human Rights Council, particularly the establishment of a voluntary trust fund for LDCs and SIDS and the international recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
He cited these achievements as a testament to Maldives’ commitment to enhancing inclusivity in the Council’s work.
Further, Minister Dr Khaleel emphasised that the promotion and protection of human rights is a key priority of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, as evidenced by commitments and actions across a diverse range of sectors.
In particular, Minister Dr. Khaleel highlighted the importance placed by the government on addressing pertinent social issues such as gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusiveness, providing adequate housing, and addressing vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change.
The Maldives is a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2023 – 2025 term and actively engages in the Council.