The 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has adjourned in Geneva after adopting 34 resolutions, two decisions and a President’s statement that spanned a wide spectrum of thematic and country‑specific human‑rights challenges.
The Maldives, represented by Ambassador Dr Salma Rasheed and a four‑member diplomatic team, played an active role throughout the fortnight‑long debate. The island nation delivered national statements on key issues, co‑sponsored a suite of resolutions—including those on youth and human rights, children’s access to nutritious food, safe drinking water and sanitation, good‑governance, and universal accessibility to human rights—and joined collective statements issued by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Non‑Aligned Movement and individual member states that echoed Maldivian priorities.
Speaking on behalf of the informal Small Island Developing States (SIDS) group, Ambassador Salma highlighted the Council’s new synthesis report on mobilising climate finance, urging “swift, predictable funding to translate climate action into the full realisation of human rights for all peoples.” The Maldives also reiterated its long‑standing support for the Palestinian people, calling for respect of the right to self‑determination, protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access and a durable peace grounded in international law.
In partnership with Costa Rica, Morocco, Slovenia and UN Special Rapporteur Astrid Puentes Riano, the Maldives co‑hosted a high‑profile side event titled “A Celebration and Stock‑taking: Five Years Since the Recognition of the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment.” The gathering marked the anniversary of UNHRC resolution 48/13, reviewed progress such as the International Court of Justice’s 2025 advisory opinion on climate change, and set out a roadmap for the next five years.
As a member of the Core Group on Sea‑Level Rise, the Maldives also helped organise “Protecting People from Sea Level Rise: A Human Rights Agenda for Liveable, Inclusive and Resilient Cities,” where Ambassador Salma shared the archipelago’s lived experience—integrated coastal protection, early‑warning systems and inclusive local climate action—underscoring the imperative of robust international cooperation for vulnerable SIDS.
The delegation, led by Ambassador Salma and comprising Counsellor Adam Hamid, Counsellor Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim, Second Secretary Aishath Rayahyn and Attache’ Raaidh Saeedh, concluded the session with a pledge to continue leveraging the UN human‑rights framework to advance climate resilience, social equity and justice on the global stage.