Maldives Urges Immediate Ceasefire and Restraint in Middle East Conflict

The Maldives has issued a strong condemnation of recent military actions in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire and restraint from all parties involved. Speaking at the 44th meeting of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Maldives’ Permanent Representative, Dr Salma Rasheed, expressed deep concern over escalating tensions. The statement specifically condemned indiscriminate attacks launched by Iran against several Gulf nations and criticized military actions by Israel and the United States targeting Iran. Dr Rasheed said the Maldives is alarmed by the potential humanitarian and economic consequences of the ongoing hostilities, which have affected countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan. She reiterated the government's call for the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure peace. “The Maldives remains deeply concerned about the widening conflict and its broader implications for regional peace and stability,” Dr Rasheed stated. Demonstrating its commitment to multilateral action, the Maldives co-sponsored a resolution at the Council titled “Human rights implications of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s unprovoked attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.” The resolution was presented during an urgent debate. The Maldivian government said this move reflects its firm stance on upholding international law and supporting diplomatic solutions, amid growing fears of further escalation in the region.