The Maldives has taken part in the review session conducted by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), which assessed the country’s 13th to 15th periodic reports submitted in 2022 under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The combined report outlines the Maldives’ legislative, administrative, and policy measures implemented between 2011 and June 2022 to prevent racial discrimination and uphold the rights guaranteed under the Convention, to which the country became a party on 24 April 1984.

It also details the progress made in addressing earlier recommendations issued by the Committee.

The review was held virtually over two sessions, during which Maldivian representatives responded to questions from Committee members on steps taken to strengthen compliance with the Convention.

Delivering the opening statement, Attorney General Uz. Ahmed Usham emphasized that safeguarding the principles enshrined in the Convention is both a legal obligation and a core national commitment aligned with the constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination.

He noted that although Maldivians share a common language, religion, and culture, the Convention holds significant relevance for the rights and welfare of foreign workers in the Maldives.

Acknowledging ongoing challenges, he reaffirmed the government’s resolve to enhance protections and modernize systems to better serve expatriate workers.

The Maldivian delegation included Attorney General Uz. Ahmed Usham, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, and the Maldives’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices in Geneva, Dr. Salma Rasheed.

Following the review, the Committee will issue its concluding observations and recommendations based on the State’s report and the discussions held during the session.