The Maldives highlighted climate change as "the greatest single threat" to the future of its children, in its statement to the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. In the debate held at the Third Committee under Agenda Item, Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Children, the Maldives stated that children and youth that accounts for 44 % of its population are at the risk of becoming physically and socially vulnerable as a result of climate change impacts.
"We must not forget that the protection of children's rights – including rights to health, education, an adequate standard of living, and, indeed, a viable future – are inextricably linked to our global efforts to protect the climate", it was noted.
Speaking on behalf of the Maldives delegation, the Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations affirmed that fulfilment of children's rights is a top priority issue for the Government. He stated that the Maldives is "investing heavily in education, as the tool that will help younger generation to take control of their own future." Moreover, children in the Maldives, both boys and girls, enjoy universal access to primary education, and are becoming empowered through their participation in youth-oriented policy-making, he said.
In its statement, the Maldives also informed the Committee of its active role played as a member of the Human Rights Council, in the promotion and protection of children's rights. The Maldives also highlighted the work undertaken by the Government towards harmonising domestic legislation in line with its international treaty obligations.
The Maldives called for nations to increase their efforts to address contemporary challenges that compromise children's rights, including child trafficking, physical violence and substance abuse.
