The 41st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council has begun in Geneva, Switzerland and will continue for three weeks, ending on July 12. The High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet opened the 41st Session of the Human Rights Council with an oral update on the human rights situation around the world.
The Maldives reaffirms its commitment to actively engage with the United Nations Human Rights Council by delivering national statements around several Agenda items presented in the Programme of Work, including the discussions on the plight of Rohingya Muslims, and the deteriorating situations in Syria and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In addition, Maldives will deliver the Joint Statement on behalf of the informal group of SIDS, co-chaired by Haiti and Maldives, during the Annual Thematic Discussion on Technical Cooperation. Maldives will also contribute to panel discussions and interactive dialogues, as well as participate in the deliberations of some critical resolutions during the session.
Maldives delivered a statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers. The statement, delivered by Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva Dr. Hala Hameed, outlined the comprehensive judicial reform agenda proposed by the Government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, which includes reforming the structure and administration of the courts as well as legislative reforms including simplified complaints mechanisms for submission of complaints against judges at the Judicial Services Commission (JSC). In addition, the statement also highlighted the proposed Legal Professions Act which will trigger the establishment of the Bar Council, paving the way for self-regulation of legal professionals for the first time in the history of Maldives.
Maldives will be headed by Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hala Hameed. In addition, Deputy Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva Hawla Didi will also represent Maldives at the council session.
The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 member states, which are responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.