The 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council commenced today in Geneva, Switzerland. The session will be held from 7 September 2026 to 7 October 2026.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, opened the session with a statement providing an overview of the global human rights situation.
In line with the government’s key policies and priorities, the Maldives delegation will deliver national statements under several agenda items. These include the interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right to development, Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, Human Rights Situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab Territories and Secretary-General’s report on actionable pathways in mobilizing sufficient climate financing among others.
As a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Informal Group of Small Island Developing States in Geneva, the Maldives will cosponsor Joint Statements on various topics in line with the Government’s priorities. The Maldives delegation for the 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council is led by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Offices in Geneva Dr. Salma Rasheed. The delegation also includes Counsellor Adam Hamid, Counsellor Uza. Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim, Second Secretary, Aishath Rayahyn and Attaché Mohamed Raaidh Saeedh, of the Permanent Mission of the Maldives to the United Nations Offices at Geneva.
The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, addressing situations of human rights violations, and making recommendations on them. The Council, composed of 47 Member States, provides a multilateral forum to address human rights violations and country situations. Although the Maldives concluded its third term as a member of the Human Rights Council in 2025, it will continue to actively engage in the Council's work, including deliberations on thematic human rights issues and country situations.