Refusing to See Palestinians as Equal Human Beings is the Shame of the Century, Maldivian Foreign Minister Tells UN

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdullah Khaleel has stated that refusing to see Palestinians as equal human beings is the “shame of the century.” He made the statement while delivering his address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

In his address, the Foreign Minister strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and accused powerful nations of complicity in sustaining the genocide. He noted that more than 66,000 civilians, most of them women and children, have been killed in Gaza, and described harrowing scenes of “people killed while begging for food, and mothers left holding lifeless babies and children staring blankly at the ruins of their homes and futures”.

The Minister stressed that Israel has “wilfully, shamefully, and repeatedly” violated international law, defied Security Council resolutions, ignored the International Court of Justice, and even sanctioned the International Criminal Court.

The Minister said the devastation in Gaza was being sustained by weapons and financial support of countries that publicly claim to defend human rights. He said refusing to see Palestinians as equal human beings, deserving of life, dignity, and freedom is the shame of the century.

Minister Khaleel warned that famine should never be used as a weapon of war, and warned against Israel’s illegal attacks beyond Gaza, including strikes against Qatar, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Tunisia and Iran. He said each strike is a reminder that borders are trampled when “power speaks louder than law”.

Warning of Global Erosion

In his speech, the Minister warned of the erosion of the global order along three fault-lines: the taboo against conquest, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the doctrine of multilateralism. He cautioned that each is under siege as powerful states use force to redraw boundaries, silence voices, and bypass international institutions.

“If this erosion continues, the question will no longer be whether it will happen again, but who will be the next victim,” he said.

Call for UN Reform

Minister Khaleel also urged member states to use the 80th UNGA as the “repair moment” for the multilateral system, starting with the reform of the Security Council. He called for an expanded and more representative Council, including a rotating seat for SIDS, greater transparency in deliberations and accountability in its decisions.

“We need a Council that does not hide under the threat of veto,” he emphasised.

The Minister also urged the UN to correct historic imbalances and pointed out that the organisation has never had a female Secretary-General, adding that the time to correct that is now.

Climate and Development

Turning to global challenges, the Minister warned that climate emergency is deepening as major emitters continue to evade their responsibilities. He noted that developing countries such as the Maldives are being stripped of the financial space needed for resilience, health and education due to crushing external debt.

The Minister further said the global financial system must deliver deeper, faster, fairer restructuring by scaling up concessional finance for SIDS; and ensuring that climate finance is additional, predictable, and aligned with adaptation needs.

The Minister also highlighted the upcoming entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement and stressed the importance of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda as a roadmap for SIDS to achieve resilient prosperity.

Maldives 2.0

The Minister spoke on the Maldives 2.0 agenda, describing it as a blueprint for change. He said it is reshaping governance, digitising services, and building an inclusive, future-ready economy, “so every child, on every island, has the same chance to thrive.”

The Minister outlined the Maldives’ decision to ban vaping devices, e-cigarettes and tobacco for the next generation, expand mental health services and prepare for an ageing population.

Underscoring the government’s focus on youth empowerment, the Minister pointed out efforts in vocational training, renewable energy, ocean protection and economic diversification. The Maldives International Financial Centre will be the cornerstone for positioning the country as a hub for investment and ideas, he said.

A Stark Choice

The Foreign Minister closed with a warning: either the world rebuilds the foundations of law and norms; or accept a future where “might makes right”. He said in such a lawless world, small states will be the first casualties.

“At UN80, let us restore the taboo against conquest. Let us renew respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Let us revitalise multilateralism—not as a talk shop, but as a system that acts with courage, clarity, and conviction. If the rules stand, the small can stand. And if the small can stand, all of us will stand taller,” he concluded.