Human Rights Day & International Migrants Day 2024: Opening remarks by United Nations Interim Resident Coordinator Mr. Niels Scott

Pleasure to welcome excellencies, distinguished guests from government and civil society, as well as fellow UN colleagues to this year’s joint commemoration of Human Rights Day and International Migrants Day. 

Especially pleased to bring to the Maldives the Human Rights Film Tour, an annual event since 2003 for FIFDH – the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights in Geneva – which in more recent years partnered up with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – in using socially conscious films to serve as a focal point for a human rights discourse. 

Happy to have Maldives National University as a partner again following the last collaboration for Peace Day. And as we mark Human Rights Day on International Migrants Day, IOM – International Organization for Migration – is also an active collaborator.

The theme for Human Rights Day this year, “Our rights, our future, right now.” emphasises how human rights empower individuals and communities to build a better future, focussing on how human rights can be a pathway to solutions, playing a critical role as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good.

Through today’s screening of the film which looks at the situation of migrants in four countries in Europe – Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain – hope to provide safe space for discussing human rights issues of migrants, not just to raise awareness of the situation of migrants in Maldives, but also to counter negative stereotypes and misconceptions. 

Anticipate not just good interactive dialogue between panel members and those in the audience on the topic at hand but also proposals for collaborative action to tackle the challenges identified moving forward.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Migrants make up a quarter of Maldives population and one-third of the workforce. 

Must acknowledge the significant contributions migrants make to the Maldivian economy, society, and culture, as well as shared traditions and cultures which connect and enrich both the local and migrant communities.

Gratifying to learn the Government of the Maldives has approved the Migration Health Policy; hopes for there to be equitable healthcare access for migrants and for migrant health to be integrated into the national health system. 

Reaffirm UN’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the policy, as requested by the Minister of Health.

There is a need for greater acknowledgment of the positive stories and impacts migrants brings to the Maldivian community.

Equally important for the perspectives and voices of migrants to be heard and reflected in the development of both short-term strategies and long-term policies such as the development of the 20-year National Development Master Plan and Strategic Action Plan (SAP).

The rights and needs of migrants must be integrated in broader development and climate adaptation plans such as the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Early Warning For ALL (EW4ALL).

Distinguished guests,

Human rights are not merely abstract ideas. They offer concrete norms, laws and a vital framework that protect against abuses, violations and other harms, ensuring everyone, everywhere can live in dignity and respect. 

Upholding human rights is not only about addressing past and present injustices; it is about driving significant social change by reshaping unjust societies and empowering marginalized groups.

Optimistic that Maldives is progressing towards a more inclusive and cohesive community that is not just tolerant of differences in ideas and perspectives but embraces and harnesses them for the collective good.

By fostering inclusion and celebrating diversity, the Maldives can continue to build a society that thrives on collaboration and mutual respect. 

Hope the film will provide you with plenty of fruit for thought. And trust the panel discussion to be fruitful. (When you watch the film, you will perhaps appreciate my fruity references.) 

Thank you.