The Maldives is preparing to make a significant contribution at the 57th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, with a focus on the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. The session, which commenced on Monday, will run until October 11th.

The Foreign Ministry of Maldives announced that the Council will conduct thirty interactive dialogues with Special Procedures mandate holders, expert mechanisms, and investigative mechanisms. Additionally, the session will feature two enhanced interactive dialogues and six panel discussions aimed at exploring critical human rights issues. A review of fifty country situation reports and over eighty thematic reports will also provide a platform for international cooperation and dialogue on global human rights challenges.

The Maldives delegation, led by Ambassador Dr. Salma Rasheed, will deliver national statements on several agenda items. Notably, the Maldives, representing a group of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) based in Geneva, will present a joint statement during the Interactive Dialogue on the Secretary-General’s Analytical Study on Climate Change. This statement will emphasize how the adverse effects of climate change impact the full enjoyment of human rights.

In addition, Maldives will address the humanitarian crisis in Palestine through various agenda items during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar.

The Maldives delegation will include Counsellor Adam Hamid, Counsellor Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim, Second Secretary Maryam Fathika Fayaz, Third Secretary Aminath Shadha, and Attaché Raaidh Saeedh, all from the Permanent Mission of Maldives to the United Nations Offices at Geneva.