Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has reiterated the commitment of the government of Maldives in working towards the promotion and protection of human rights for all Maldivians and to cooperate closely with international human rights mechanisms.
In response to a letter by the High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, Minister Shahid stated the administration looks forward to solidifying its cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and all special procedures of the Human Rights Council. In his letter, Minister Shahid mentioned Maldives had already written to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) and the Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) as part of the 100-day pledges of the administration, instigating a new chapter in the relationship between Maldives and international human rights bodies.
In his letter, Minister Shahid assured the High Commissioner Maldives had reaffirmed the Standing Invitation it had previously extended to the Special Procedures mandate holders of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which includes a host of thematic special rapporteurs and intendant experts. Minister Shahid had stated all special procedures mandate holders that had previously requested to visit the country in the previous administration, but were unable to do so, will be welcome to conduct their visits now. He also urged other mandate holders of the council to visit Maldives.
Since assuming office on November 17, 2018, the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had made human rights a key pillar of the foreign relations engagements of Maldives.
Further, Minister Shahid is due to visit Geneva later this month, to participate at the High Level Segment of the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council.