News Desk
The Government of Maldives has strongly condemned the attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, which resulted in the deaths of 168 children. In a statement delivered at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the Maldives described the incident as a grave violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Speaking during the urgent debate titled “Protection of children and educational institutions in international armed conflicts” at the 49th meeting of the 61st UNHRC session, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN Office in Geneva, Dr Salma Rasheed, expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East following recent military attacks involving Israel, the United States and Iran.
The Maldives noted that the wider regional tensions have placed several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon under severe strain. The delegation stressed the need to end what it described as a longstanding culture of impunity that has enabled repeated violations of international law to continue unchecked.
The government called on the international community to intensify efforts to de‑escalate the situation, protect civilians and ensure accountability for all parties involved.
This was the second urgent debate held at the UNHRC this week. The first, on 25 March 2026, addressed the military strikes on Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Jordan on 28 February. The Maldives delivered statements at both sessions, outlining its positions in line with its commitments under the UN Charter and other international treaties.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has maintained a firm and consistent line on conflicts in the Middle East since taking office. His government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of sovereignty, civilian protection and adherence to international law.
In June 2025, following military escalation involving Israel and Iran, President Muizzu condemned what he described as violations of Iran’s sovereignty. He reiterated the Maldives’ position at the United Nations General Assembly, calling for accountability for actions in Gaza and stressing the need to protect civilians and journalists. His call for urgent action to halt the escalating conflict reflected the administration’s stated commitment to the principles of sovereignty and human dignity.
The president has also maintained a consistent position on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. At the UN General Assembly last year, he described the Israeli atrocities against Palestinians as genocide, saying Israel must be held accountable for violations of international law, including actions affecting civilians and journalists. His administration later announced a ban on Israeli tourists to the Maldives, a decision framed as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians.
During a press interaction in Malé last week, held while US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor was visiting the Maldives, President Muizzu said the visit would not include discussions on the Middle East conflict. He stated that the Maldives would continue diplomatic engagement with all countries except Israel, and reaffirmed that Maldivian territory, airspace and waters would not be used for any military purpose linked to foreign conflicts.
He also repeated his view that regional stability required avoiding actions that would harm civilian populations in Muslim‑majority countries, a reference to Iran’s actions against neighbouring states.
Across multiple international platforms, the Maldives has consistently highlighted the need to safeguard children, educational institutions and civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts. The government’s interventions at the UNHRC this week reflect its broader diplomatic approach: calling for restraint, accountability and adherence to international law.
