The Maldives has concluded its participation in the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, where it delivered national statements, co-sponsored key resolutions and advocated on a range of human rights issues.

During the session, the Maldives reaffirmed its support for the rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, while calling for the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access and a just and lasting peace based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

The Maldives also served as a member of the cross-regional core group behind a resolution on the independence of the judiciary and legal profession, which was adopted by consensus and renewed the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers for another three years.

In addition, the Maldives co-sponsored several resolutions covering issues such as the right to education, protection of healthcare in armed conflict, international cooperation in human rights, and women's access to education and employment in digital and cybersecurity-related fields.

Representing the Informal Group of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Maldives delivered a joint statement highlighting the need for country-led technical cooperation and capacity-building to strengthen resilient and people-centred healthcare systems tailored to the needs of island nations.

On the sidelines of the session, the Maldives partnered with The Bahamas, Fiji, Finland, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Vanuatu to host a commemorative event marking the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council. The event highlighted the contributions of Small Island Developing States to advancing human rights within the Council.

The Maldivian delegation was led by Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Dr Salma Rasheed.