The Maldives has commenced its participation in the 49th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group, which opened on 28 April at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. The two-week session, which will conclude on 9 May, marks a critical juncture for the United Nations Human Rights Council as it evaluates the human rights records of fourteen member states.
At the heart of the process lies the Universal Periodic Review, a mechanism designed to foster accountability and progress in human rights across all UN Member States. This platform not only allows nations under review to present their achievements but also offers an opportunity for constructive dialogue through recommendations from fellow member states. The ongoing Fourth Cycle of reviews commenced in November 2022 and is expected to reach completion by 2027, underscoring the enduring commitment of the UPR Working Group, which convenes three times each year.
Among the fourteen states under examination during this session are Armenia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Spain, Sweden, and Türkiye.
The Maldives delegation arrives with a clear mandate aligned with its national priorities, prepared to contribute meaningful recommendations for the advancement of human rights. Integral to the review process are the 'troikas', groups of three member states that assume the role of rapporteurs for individual country reviews. Reflecting its standing within the Human Rights Council, the Maldives has been appointed to the Troika for Kyrgyzstan—a position indicative of its active involvement in global human rights discourse.
Leading this delegation is Dr Salma Rasheed, the nation's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva. She is joined by Counsellor Adam Hamid, Counsellor Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim, Second Secretary Aishath Rayahyn, and Attaché Raaidh Saeedh.