27 February 2017, Geneva :Addressing the Human Rights Council for the first time at the High Level Segment of the Thirty Fourth Session of the Human Rights Council, H.E Minister Mohamed Asim emphasised on the importance of the Human Rights Council to the Maldives.
Minister Asim speaking about Maldives said "Being a small state does not prevent the Maldives from promoting the values and principles that underpin the international human rights mechanisms".
While outlining some of the major achievements Maldives had made in terms of gender, health, education and economic development, Minister Asim also noted how the partnership with the UN has helped Maldives consolidate democracy and strengthening human rights, and reiterated our commitment to work closely with the UN. Minister Asim also informed the Council, of the continued commitment and efforts of the current President of the Maldives, His Excellency President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, to promote human rights through human development.
Minister Asim stated that we need to cultivate and promote a culture of respect and a culture of tolerance more than ever before. He reiterated Maldives confidence in UN Human Rights Mechanisms and Maldives commitment to the work of the UN Human Rights Council.
Maldives has been a member of the Human Rights Council for two consecutive terms in 2011-2013 and 2014- 2016 and currently on a one year mandatory break. Maldives has put forth its candidature for the Human Rights Council for the term 2018-2020.
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