04 November 2016, New York; At the United Nations General Assembly debate on the report of the Human Rights Council, the Maldives has called upon the Council to adopt a more pro-active role in addressing the human rights violations and atrocities committed against women, men and children in Aleppo and Palestine.
Delivering the statement on behalf of the Maldives delegation, Ms. Aisha Naeem, Senior State Attorney at the Attorney General's Office, welcomed the initiatives undertaken by the Human Rights Council in addressing the many human rights violations that plague the world. The Maldives also highlighted the significant and effective role of the Council in promoting constructive international dialogue and improving international human rights standards and their implementation.
The Maldives noted its contributions to the Council as the country completes its second term as a member of the Council. In this regard, the statement recalled its efforts to integrate climate change into the Council's agenda through Resolution 7/23. As a Small Island Developing State that is at the forefront of impacts from climate change, the Maldives has long advocated that the issue of climate change and its impacts on populations must be viewed from a human rights lens.
The Maldives also made it a priority to take steps that would enhance the meaningful participation of SIDS and their representation at the Council, noted the statement. The Maldives expressed satisfaction that through their contribution was the establishment of the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund to Support Participation of LDCs and SIDS in the work of the Council. Noting these contributions, Ms. Naeem stated that "We are proud to have given a voice to the smallest members of the international community and will continue lending our voice for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the coming years."
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