Ref: 2026/PR/39
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, concluded his participation in the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
During the High-Level General Debate, Minister Dr. Khaleel delivered the Maldives’ national statement, reaffirming the country’s steadfast commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to strengthened engagement within the international human rights framework. He underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation and constructive dialogue in advancing and protecting universal human rights standards.
On the margins of the Session, Minister Dr. Khaleel met with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and held bilateral meetings with heads of delegations of Angola, Cuba, Rwanda, the Kyrgyz Republic, Slovakia, Iceland, Slovenia, San Marino, Russia, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission.
In addition, the Minister met with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization to exchange views on areas of mutual interest and cooperation. At the meeting, Minister Dr. Khaleel also formally deposited the Instrument of Ratification for the 1986 Amendment to the ILO Constitution, reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening international labour standards and institutional governance.
Minister Dr. Khaleel also participated as a panelist at a side event titled “Advancing Human Rights and Equality: Investing in Women’s Political Leadership in Multilateralism,” organized by the Permanent Mission of Slovenia and co-sponsored by the Maldives. The event underscored the critical role of women in fostering inclusive, sustainable, and effective multilateral decision-making processes.
During the Session, the Maldives announced its candidature for election to the Human Rights Council for the term 2028–2030, reaffirming the country’s commitment to contributing constructively to the Council’s mandate and to the advancement of human dignity at both the national and international levels.
ENDS