The launch of trauma-informed care and rehabilitation services for returnee - Opening Remarks by UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Hao Zhang

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, partners, ladies and gentlemen.

Good morning and thank you for the warm welcome here on Himmafushi Island. It is a privilege to join you today for the launch of this important initiative aimed at strengthening trauma-informed care and rehabilitation services for returnee families in the Maldives.

I would like to begin by acknowledging the leadership of the Government of Maldives, particularly the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, along with the dedicated team at the National Reintegration Centre, for their unwavering commitment to advancing this critical national priority. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Government of Australia for its generous support, and to our colleagues at UNODC for their technical expertise and steadfast partnership in making this initiative possible.

This initiative comes at a critical time. As the Maldives continues its efforts to repatriate and reintegrate families affected by violent extremism, the need for comprehensive, trauma-informed support systems has never been more urgent. These families—especially women, adolescents, and children—have endured unimaginable hardship. Their successful rehabilitation is not only a humanitarian imperative but also a cornerstone of long-term peace, security, and social cohesion.

As the United Nations Resident Coordinator, I am proud to see the UN system working in close partnership with national institutions to deliver targeted, context-sensitive support. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to a whole-of-society approach—one that places human rights, dignity, and resilience at the heart of our work.

The training and mentorship provided to MHPSS practitioners, first responders, and community leaders will help build a sustainable foundation for trauma recovery and reintegration. It also reflects our shared responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind, especially those most vulnerable.

This work aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions, and SDG 3 on good health and well-being. It also supports the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2396, which calls for comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration strategies for returnees.

Let me close by reaffirming the UN’s continued support to the Government of Maldives and its people. As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and 60 years of the Maldives’ membership in the UN, this initiative exemplifies the enduring partnership between the UN and the Maldives, grounded in shared values of inclusion, resilience, and compassion. Together, we can continue to build systems of care that are inclusive, resilient, and rooted in compassion. I look forward to witnessing the impact of this initiative and to deepening our collaboration in the months ahead.

Thank you.