News & press releases

Maldives Committed to Improve Cooperation with International Human Rights Mechanisms

06 February 2019

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Mr Abdulla Shahid today reiterated the commitment of the Government of Maldives in working towards the promotion and protection of human rights for all Maldivians, and to cooperate closely with international human rights mechanisms.

In response to a letter by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Her Excellency Ms. Michelle Bachelet, Minister Shahid in his letter stated that the Government looks forward to solidifying its cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and all special procedures of the Human Rights Council. Minister Shahid mentioned that the Maldives had already written to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) and the Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) as part of the Government’s 100-day pledges, instigating a new chapter in the relationship between the Maldives and international human rights bodies.

In his letter, Minister Shahid assured the High Commissioner that the Maldives had reaffirmed the Standing Invitation it had previously extended to the Special Procedures mandate holders of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which includes a host of thematic special rapporteurs and intendent experts. Minister Shahid had stated all special procedures mandate holders that had previously requested to visit the country in the previous Government, but were unable to do so will be welcome to conduct their visits now. He also urged other mandate holders of the Council to visit the Maldives as well.

Since assuming office on 17 November 2018, the Government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had made human rights a key pillar of the Maldives’ foreign relations engagements. Minister Shahid is due to visit Geneva later this month, to participate at the High Level Segment of the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council.

ENDS