4 November 2016, New York: Today, at the Third Committee, the Maldives urged the need of creating a formal support mechanism to enable participation of Small Island Developing States in the Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva. This was highlighted in an Intervention made by the Maldives, in the Third Committee, during its interactive dialogue with the President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Choi Kyong-lim.
In the interaction, the Maldives welcomed the Voluntary Trust Fund for the participation of Least Developed Countries and SIDS in the Human Rights Council, established with the support from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other members in the Council. With the assistance from the Voluntary Fund, the 10th anniversary session of the Council held earlier this year, was able to achieve universal participation, for the very first time. SIDS and LDCs, especially those that do not have permanent presence in Geneva, face significant challenges for adequate representation at the Council. The Maldives as a member of the HRC, played a key role towards this achievement.
The Maldives has been a member of the Human Rights Council for the past 5 and half years, during which time, the Maldives has advocated for meaningful participation of SIDS in the Council, most significantly in the Universal Periodic Review process. As a SIDS, Maldives have also played a significant role to gain due recognition to address effects of climate change, for the full and effective enjoyment of human rights.
ENDS
