The Maldives participated in the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), which opened in Geneva on Monday with the High-Level Segment.

The High-Level Segment of the session is scheduled to run from 23 to 25 February, followed by the General Segment from 26 February until 31 March. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel is scheduled to address the Council during the High-Level Segment.

In his address, the Foreign Minister is expected to outline progress made by the Maldives in promoting and protecting human rights under the current Administration. He is also expected to reaffirm the country’s commitment to advancing human rights at both national and international levels, while highlighting challenges faced by Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States in engaging with multilateral human rights mechanisms.

As part of the Maldives’ engagements during the session, Minister Dr Khaleel will participate as a panellist in a high-level side event hosted by Slovenia and co-sponsored by the Maldives, focusing on advancing women’s political leadership in multilateral settings. The event is scheduled to take place on 24 February.

The Maldivian delegation is also scheduled to deliver national statements during the General Segment under several agenda items. In addition, the Maldives will present two joint statements on behalf of Small Island Developing States based in Geneva.

The delegation attending the High-Level Segment is led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and includes the Maldives’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices in Geneva, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Maldives Mission in Geneva.