50th Session of Universal Periodic Review Begins in Geneva; Maldives to Undergo Review on 5 November

News

The 50th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) commenced today at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, marking another milestone in the United Nations Human Rights Council’s comprehensive review mechanism. The session will run for two weeks, concluding on 14 November 2025, during which the human rights records of fourteen States — Andorra, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Honduras, Jamaica, Libya, Liberia, Malawi, Maldives, Mongolia, Marshall Islands, Panama, and the United States of America — will be examined.

The Maldives is scheduled to undergo its fourth Universal Periodic Review on 5 November 2025, providing an opportunity for the country to reaffirm its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights through constructive engagement with international mechanisms. Guided by the Government’s key policies and priorities, the Maldives delegation will actively participate in the session and offer constructive recommendations to other States under review.

The UPR Working Group convenes three sessions annually, as part of a State-driven process that reviews the human rights situation in all UN Member States. The ongoing Fourth Cycle of the UPR, which began in November 2022, will conclude in 2027. This mechanism enables countries to report on progress made in meeting human rights obligations, while also allowing peer nations to provide recommendations for further improvement.

Each State review is facilitated by a group of three Member States, known as the “Troika”, who serve as rapporteurs for the process. As a member of the Human Rights Council, the Maldives has been selected to serve on the Troika for Jamaica’s review during this session.

The Maldives delegation to the 50th Session is led by Her Excellency Dr. Salma Rasheed, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva. The delegation also includes Counsellor Mr. Adam Hamid, Counsellor Uza. Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim, Second Secretary Ms. Aishath Rayahyn, and Attaché Mr. Raaidh Saeedh from the Permanent Mission.

As Vice President of the Human Rights Council, representing the Asia-Pacific Group, Dr. Salma Rasheed will also chair meetings of the UPR session, highlighting the Maldives’ active leadership and engagement in advancing global human rights dialogue.