The 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council concluded on 8th October in Geneva, passing 34 resolutions, two decisions, and a President’s statement across various global human rights priorities and country-specific matters.
According to the press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, throughout the session, the Maldivian delegation actively engaged in negotiations, delivered national statements, and co-sponsored key resolutions aligned with its national priorities. Among the initiatives backed by the Maldives were resolutions focusing on youth rights, children’s access to nutritious food, safe drinking water and sanitation, good governance, and promoting accessibility for all. The delegation also joined statements issued by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), alongside statements from individual Member States on shared global objectives.
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Highlighting the vulnerabilities of island nations, the Maldives delivered a joint statement on behalf of the informal group of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The statement, presented during an interactive dialogue on the UN Secretary-General’s report, addressed actionable pathways for mobilising climate financing while highlighting the associated human rights challenges.
On the margins of the session, the Maldives co-organised two targeted side events addressing environmental rights and coastal vulnerability.
Partnering with Costa Rica, Morocco, Slovenia, and UN Special Rapporteur Astrid Puentes Riaño, the Maldives hosted a panel marking five years since the recognition of the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment under Resolution 48/13. Discussions focused on recent progress, including the International Court of Justice’s 2025 Advisory Opinion on climate change, and established implementation goals for the coming five years.
Additionally, as part of the Core Group on Sea-Level Rise, the Maldives joined the Dominican Republic in leading a side event titled “Protecting People from Sea Level Rise: A Human Rights Agenda for Liveable, Inclusive and Resilient Cities.” Speaking at the event, Dr Salma Rasheed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva, shared practical lessons on building resilience in low-lying island nations through integrated coastal protection, early warning systems, and local climate action, whilst reiterating the need for robust international cooperation.
Throughout the proceedings, the Maldives maintained its advocacy for Palestinian rights, reiterating calls for self-determination, civilian protection, unhindered humanitarian access, and a lasting peace grounded in international law and UN resolutions.
