A delegation from the Maldives has begun preparations to participate in the 43rd Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which commenced on Monday at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The session will continue for two weeks, until May 12, and will review the human rights records of 14 states.

Led by Asim Ahmed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Offices at Geneva, the Maldives delegation will present recommendations to all 14 states under review, in line with the government’s key policies and priorities, according to the Ministry. The delegation will also chair some of the reviews that will take place at the session, in his capacity as the Vice President of the Human Rights Council.

The UPR is a State-driven process that involves reviewing the human rights records of all UN Member States, with the objective of improving the human rights situations in all countries. It provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation between states, and helps to promote and protect human rights around the world.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry highlighted the importance of the UPR mechanism in ensuring that every country is treated equally when their human rights situation is assessed. The Ministry emphasised the Maldives’ commitment to human rights and their willingness to engage constructively with other states to improve the human rights situation globally. The Maldives delegation’s active engagement in the UPR process is a testament to their dedication to promoting and protecting human rights, the Ministry said. Their participation in the Troika for the review of the Kingdom of Tonga is a reflection of their status as a member of the Human Rights Council, and their leadership in the global effort to improve human rights situations, it added.

The Ministry expressed its confidence that the Maldives delegation will make a valuable contribution to the UPR process, and help to ensure that the human rights situations of all states are given the attention they deserve. The Ministry further emphasised the Maldives’ commitment to human rights, and its determination to work with other states to improve the human rights situation globally.