The Maldives has participated in the review session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, presenting its 13th–15th Periodic Report submitted under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The report, which covers progress from 2011 to June 2022, outlines the measures taken by the Maldives to eliminate racial discrimination and details the country’s implementation of the rights and obligations set out in the Convention. The Maldives has been a State Party to the Convention since submitting its initial report in April 1984.

During the virtual review, the Maldivian delegation responded to questions from Committee members on national efforts to uphold the Convention. In his opening remarks, Attorney General Ahmed Usham reiterated that upholding the Convention’s principles is a legal obligation aligned with the Constitution’s commitments to equality and non-discrimination. He noted that, while Maldivian society shares a common language, culture, and religion, the Convention’s principles are especially relevant in safeguarding the rights of migrant workers living in the Maldives.

The delegation included senior representatives from key ministries and institutions, including Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva H.E. Salma Rasheed, and Minister of State for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr Abdulla Nazeer. Officials from the justice, security, health, education, tourism, social development, migration, labour regulation, and statistical bodies also participated.

Following the review, the Maldives will share its findings, concluding observations, and recommendations, reflecting the discussions held with the Committee.