Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has urged world leaders to formally recognise an independent Palestinian state and admit Palestine as a full member of the United Nations (UN).
Addressing the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, the Vice President stated that the Palestinian people face the most severe denial of their right to a sovereign future. He condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and across the wider region, noting that these military operations violate the sovereignty of neighbouring states, and demanded an immediate end to the genocide.
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During his address, Vice President Latheef emphasised that global governance bodies must apply international law equally to all nations, regardless of their geopolitical power or strategic alliances. He urged international bodies to enforce existing United Nations resolutions and comply with rulings issued by international courts.
The Vice President demanded an immediate halt to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the occupation of Palestinian and Arab lands, and the expansion of illegal settlements. He also called for humanitarian assistance to reach Palestinians safely, rapidly, and at scale. Reaffirming the diplomatic position of the Maldives, he reiterated support for an independent Palestinian state established along pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Vice President Latheef stressed that sovereignty for Palestinians encompasses basic freedom, dignity, self-determination, and the right to live securely within their own state. He maintained that granting full UN membership to Palestine remains an essential step if the organisation is to restore global trust and deliver for all member states. Concluding his remarks, he asserted that the principle of a sovereign future must apply universally to every nation, regardless of its size or power.
