VP: Current situation in Gaza an example of the need for solidarity in upholding human rights

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, on Tuesday, remarked that the current situation in Gaza and other areas of geopolitical conflict serves as a poignant example of the urgent need for global solidarity in upholding human rights.

He made the remark at the opening ceremony panel discussion on human rights at the Human Rights 75 high-level event in Geneva, Switzerland.

Speaking during the panel discussion, VP Hussain Latheef said it was crucial to shed light on the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Palestine, as the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Reiterating Maldives’ call for an immediate and urgent end to the war in Gaza – he stressed that the current situation in Gaza and other areas of geopolitical conflict serves as a poignant example of the urgent need for global solidarity in upholding human rights.

VP Hussain Latheef also addressed the topic of steps in putting human rights at the forefront of finding solutions for both the challenges of today and tomorrow during the panel discussions, adding that the concept of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's development route is to prioritise the "human" in the pursuit of development.

He went on to emphasize the following five points in his address;

• Human rights are "non-negotiable" and should be held as minimum standards to uphold each person's dignity
• Human rights promotion should be a comprehensive strategy involving governments, businesses, civil society organizations, international bodies, and individuals
• Human rights education should be promoted at all levels
• It is critical to acknowledge and value the role of multilateralism and the rules-based international order in promoting and safeguarding our communities to promote peace, security, and development
• Young people's growing involvement in the discourse around climate change and human rights should be encouraged, as it offers hope for inclusive policies and actions

The Human Rights 75 High-Level Event, convened by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and co-hosted by the Government of Switzerland, commemorates the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Maldives is a member of the UN Human Rights Council, and currently also holds Vice-Presidency for Asia-Pacific Region.