YouSaid · the spoken record

Abdulla Shahid

lines on the record: 32
first: 2007-09-24
most recent: 2020-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We must once again, come together, resolute in our commitment to the principles of the UN, to revive the true spirit of multilateralism, to herald in a truly just and happier world. Mr President, “A handful though we are” — the Maldives stands ready to do our part —just as we did 55 years ago! I thank you.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Yes, we all agree that the UN needs reform, to come to terms with the current membership and the current times. But we cannot dispute that the UN is still necessary. The UN still presents the best hope for humanity, the best opportunity for cooperation, the best platform for dialogue, the best check against rising tide of ultra-nationalism, and xenophobia. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, We must once again come together, determined to uphold peace, preserve fundamental human rights, human dignity, and the worth of every person, and every nation large and small. We must once again, commit to practise tolerance, promote dialogue over war, and employ global cooperation for the advancement of all people.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The Rohingya people continue to endure extreme deprivation and hardships. We will not standby and stand witness to genocide. We will do all we can to challenge the mistreatment, displacement and wanton killing of the Rohingya people. We will continue to advocate on their behalf, including at the International Court of Justice. Mr President, As the UN celebrates 75 years in existence, there is much to celebrate, and be thankful for. The UN helped shape an international order following years of warfare, and strife. The UN gave the world a platform to share its problems and prepare solutions. The UN gave countries like mine — the smallest of the smallest — an equal voice, a place at the table, the ability to contribute, and to make a difference. It remains the best hope for the security of small States like mine.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“And as a Small, Island State, we wish to share the unique experiences of our efforts to align our laws, and cultivate a culture of respect for human rights. Mr President, Terrorism remains one of the most complex and challenging global issues of our time — one that requires cooperation, coordination, and also consensus. We have to work together to address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism, especially in light of advances in social media and digital technology. The global community also has to work together to ensure the rights of the Palestinian people. For decades, Palestinians have cried out for dignity, respect, and statehood — to no avail. We reiterate our call for a two State solution on the basis of the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In the Maldives, several steps have been taken in the right direction. For example, recent amendments brought to Local Councils Act allocated a third of all local council seats to women, ensuring their participation in the decentralised goverance system. I am also proud to announce that we have achieved gender parity among Heads of Missions of the Maldives Foreign Service. It is because of the importance the Maldives places on the promotion and protection of human rights that the Government has taken the decision to present its candidature for the Human Rights Council for the term 2023-2025. We believe that domestic and global efforts to promote and protect human rights go hand-in-hand.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We firmly believe that a rights-based approach prioritises the empowerment of all segments of society — especially women and youth. For the first time, the Government is working on a draft Youth Bill that will identify and ensure the rights of young people, including their participation in decision-making. A multi-dimensional, holistic approach that includes leadership, political participation, gender equality, counter-radicalisation, health and wellbeing, guides our youth policies. Mainstreaming gender equality in society, and in public life, is an ongoing process — a process that no country has completed. As we move towards marking the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, every effort must be made to reaching the vision of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Not on our watch! Mr President, Ensuring human rights is fundamental to a progressive society, and sustainable development. The promotion and protection of human rights is a cornerstone of President Solih’s administration from its inception. Of the core human rights Conventions, Maldives has ratified seven, and withdrawn several of the reservations to CEDAW. We will also ratify the Convention on Enforced Disappearances in the coming months. The Child Rights Protection Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act are recent examples of our efforts to align our legal instruments with international obligations. We have also ratified the Third Optional Protocol to CRC, and signed the Declaration under Article 22 of the Convention Against Torture, allowing for enhanced access to justice.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“For Maldivians, as custodians of over 90,000 square kilometers of the Indian Ocean, it is part of our identity, our way of life, our economy. This is why protecting the ocean from the harmful impacts of marine plastic pollution is crucial for us, and many other countries like us. President Solih announced here at the GA last year, our pledge to phase out single use plastics by 2023. We continue to work with like-minded countries for an effective international framework to this end. We have committed to the protection of 20 per cent of our own waters and are also committed to working with the Global Ocean Alliance towards achieving the global target of protecting 30 per cent of the ocean in the coming years. Friends, it is our shared responsibility to preserve, and sustainably use, the ocean and all of its bounty. Let us not fail.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Climate financing has to be new, additional and predictable in nature, and rolled out now, to achieve the target we set in 2015. Adaptation is no longer something to plan for, in the future. It is our every day. As we rebuild our economies after COVID-19, it must not be business as usual. We have to use this as an opportunity to build back greener. In doing so, no country should be left alone. This is another opportunity to reduce emissions to keep global temperature rise below 1.5° Celsius. Let us make the road to Glasgow, one that is paved with meaningful action that includes all. Meaningful action is also required towards the protection of our ocean. Millions of people rely on the ocean and its bounty, for their survival.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The frequency, and severity of the events are pushing towards the limits of adaptation. There is also an increasing trend on the slow-onset events such as sea level rise. For the Maldives, the impacts of climate change are no longer the future. For us, it is our lived reality. But climate change does not discriminate. It does not recognise borders. Big or small, rich or poor, every nation is facing the impacts, although at different scales and magnitudes. Climate change is a risk multiplier. It continues to be a threat to international security. Our hope is in realising the lofty ambitions of the Paris Agreement. What we need is stronger NDCs by all countries. We will most certainly submit ours! We need actual realisation of pledges made, including financial commitments. We need easier, and faster access to finance.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I thank all our partners who have generously extended financial, material and technical support during this crisis, even when they themselves are going through challenging times. One such example is India. The recent budget support of 250 million US dollars, was the single largest financial assistance from a donor during this pandemic. Mr President, The Covid pandemic has given us the opportunity to recalibrate our approach to development, and focus on building a more resilient world — one that delivers for planet, people, and prosperity. For countries like mine — climate change remains a significant threat — but also a threat that is difficult to overcome on our own. The number of islands that require emergency shore protection, flood or disaster relief are rising each year.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Economies will still be in recovery, and hurting. So, we request the G20 to extend their initiative until the end of 2021. But, debt suspension is only half the story for SIDS. We need structural change, innovative facilities, and better and greater access to concessional financing. We need a proper assessment of our vulnerabilities that will shape the way for better- targeted approaches in SIDS. Third, the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of global cooperation. In the Maldives, without the support of our friends, our bilateral and multilateral partners, we would not be able to continue weathering this storm. As we work towards finding a vaccine, our hope is that every person who needs it will have access to it. That we will work together to ensure equitable access.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr President, There are many lessons that can already be learnt from Covidl9. First, the asymmetries in the international system have been laid bare like never before — whether it be the unevenness of the impacts, the digital divide, the deep shocks due to disruptions in supply chains — no country has been spared from the impacts. But not every country has been affected in equal measure. In countries like mine, where tourism contributions both directly and indirectly account for 75% of GDP, the loss has been immeasurable. Second, the toll that debt burdens have on the economies of Small Island Developing States like the Maldives is clearer now. We appreciate the G20’s debt service suspension initiative. But there is little difference between 31 December and 1 January, apart from the change in year.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Our second priority was to minimise shock to the economy, and support households and businesses. Income support, stimulus packages, debt moratorium, and tax reliefs programs have been initiated; Social security including universal health insurance, single parent support and elderly pensions, have continued despite many logistical and financial challenges. A National Taskforce on Response and Recovery has been constituted, and it has prioritised building resilience into our post Covid action plan. The aim is to ensure that the development gains we have made over the past decades are not eroded; to ensure that development projects promised and planned go forward without delay; and to ensure that our commitment to the 2030 Agenda, ensuring that no one is left behind, does not remain unfulfilled.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“And the eerie silence blanketing it all... In the Maldives — a vibrant and thriving nation — our lives, came to a standstill, almost overnight. With no tourists, revenue declined, and debt increased. The economy is set to contract — for the first time in a decade. Responding quickly to the Covidl9 health impacts was our first priority. We immediately declared a National Health Emergency. President Solih established the National Emergency Operations Center, and chaired the Committee’s meetings himself. We boosted testing capacity, established Covid treatment facilities, mobilised and trained healthcare workers. The dedication of our frontline workers in ensuring effective provision of quality healthcare, and uninterrupted services has been extraordinary.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr President, These were among the first words that the first Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Mr Ahmed Hilmy Didi spoke at this chamber, 55 years ago. 55 years ago, we declared our firm conviction that “the UN is the chief architect” of peace. 55 years later, our conviction remains stronger than ever. Today, as we grapple with one of the greatest global challenges in recent history, deliberating “the future we want, the United Nations we need” and “reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism” not only seems opportune but a necessity. The stark and tragic images of the Covidl9 pandemic still remain etched in our minds. Healthcare workers treating patients on makeshift beds. Undertakers struggling to bury the dead. Empty roads, empty schools, empty airports.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Bismilliah ah Rahmaan ah raheem Mr President, Mr Secretary-General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen Congratulations Mr President, on your election as the President of the seventy- fifth session of the UN General Assembly. A distinguished person of your wisdom and caliber at the helm of this assembly brings comfort, during these extraordinary times we face. I also wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing President for his excellent stewardship of our work through unforeseen challenges. Mr. Secretary-General, my country applauds your sincere and hard work during these tiring times. “A handful though we are, we dedicate ourselves to the principles of this world body and declare our faith in the support of the Charter of the United Nations”.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We sincerely believe, however, that these reforms cannot fully succeed without the much-needed and concurrent reform of the Security Council. Maldives firmly believes that an effective multilateral framework is fundamental for the security of small States and that such a framework should take into consideration modern geopolitical realities. In this regard, the Maldives reiterates its support for the Group of Four (G-4) draft resolution on Security Council reform. We hope, therefore, that we will be able to make progress on Security Council reform during this session. Before I conclude, please allow me to reaffirm our commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and to offer our full support to its continuing work for the betterment of humanity and for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We therefore call on the international community, led by the Quartet, to revive the peace process as a matter of urgency. The Maldives also calls on the international community to continue and intensify its efforts to bring peace and stability to Iraq and Afghanistan. The Maldives also reiterates its steadfast opposition to the development, proliferation or use of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. Strengthening and revitalizing the United Nations to take on the new and emerging challenges of the twenty-first century remains an important task. We are encouraged by the progress that has been made in implementing the wide-ranging United Nations reform programme over the past two years.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Last year, the Maldives also became the first country in Asia to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. However, the Government readily concedes that much more needs to be done. Therefore, the Government is proceeding in its work in close cooperation with international human rights bodies. For example, last year, the Maldives became one of the few countries to extend a standing invitation to visit the country to all United Nations human rights special rapporteurs. In addition, earlier this year, the Government invited the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to appoint a national human rights adviser to the Maldives. The Maldives reiterates its support for the right of the Palestinian people to an independent homeland.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The Maldives Government is determined to mark the occasion by completing the country’s current reform agenda, an ambitious programme of reforms designed to strengthen individual rights and freedoms, ahead of multiparty elections under a new Constitution. Since the start of the reform agenda in 2004, the Maldives has made remarkable strides in the field of human rights. An independent Paris Principles- compliant Human Rights Commission has been established. The Maldives has acceded to the two major human rights covenants on civil and political rights, and on economic, social and cultural rights. Later today I will sign, on behalf of the Government, the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, meaning that the Maldives will have signed or ratified eight of the nine core human rights treaties.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“On the one hand, it is recognition of the startling economic and social development that the country has enjoyed over the past 30 years. On the other hand, graduation will bring with it a range of new challenges. For example, we will enjoy less favourable trading conditions and reduced levels of development assistance. Adapting to this new reality will not be easy. In that regard, I would like to use my speech today to once again urge our international partners to assist us in making the transition as smooth as possible. Next year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Despite the tsunami, the Maldives continues to make strong progress towards the attainment of the MDGs. The Maldives has already achieved Goal 1, the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, and Goal 2, the achievement of universal primary education. We are also on course to meet Goals 4, 5 and 6 on reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating communicable diseases, respectively. Consolidating and strengthening progress towards all the MDGs is a key focus of the recently launched seventh national development plan. Buoyed by these successes, the Maldives will next year begin its transition period for graduation from LDC status. For the Maldives, graduation represents a double-edged sword.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The purpose of this meeting is to draft a collective stand on the individual human dimension of climate change for submission to the Bali Conference. The Asian tsunami of 2004 represented the worst natural disaster in the history of the Maldives. The economic damage and losses alone were equivalent to almost two thirds of the country’s gross domestic product. Although much remains to be done to complete the process of recovery, a considerable amount has already been achieved. We need the continued support of our development partners and the international community to overcome the challenge of tsunami recovery. The devastating tsunami threatened to derail the Maldives in its attempts to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and our planned graduation from the list of least developed countries (LDCs).”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We must take collective responsibility and agree to an integrated and comprehensive approach to climate change that recognizes and covers all four pillars of climate change policy mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer and funding. While the necessary steps are clear, the crucial question, as always, is whether the international community has the political will to undertake those steps; to build on the commitments entered into in Rio, Kyoto, Johannesburg, New York and elsewhere; and to secure a successful outcome from the Bali process. I can assure the Assembly that the Maldives will play its part in this process. I am happy to announce here today my Government’s intention to host a preparatory meeting for the Alliance of Small Island States in the Maldives in November.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Twenty years on, greenhouse gas emission levels are continuing to increase unabated and the consequences of global warming are becoming ever more apparent. One can only therefore conclude that the past 20 years have been an era of missed opportunities. Despite those stark facts, last week’s high-level debate on climate change has once again given us some hope and encouragement. As a result of a palpable change in world opinion, there is now a real sense of international momentum leading towards December’s crucial Conference in Bali. We believe that the Conference offers us a chance to overcome the failed promises and missed opportunities of the past, and to build a new global consensus on climate change.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Though the Maldives and other low-lying archipelagic nations may have to suffer the most immediate and the most extreme effects of a global sea-level rise, there is a potential danger to a significant portion of the world’s population in the near future … No one nation, or even a group of nations, can alone combat the onset of a global change in environment.” Since that ground-breaking debate, the international community has convened numerous conferences and summits at which it has agreed on a wide range of plans and programmes of action aimed at addressing global climate change. However, as a community of nations we must regretfully concede that, all too often, the reality of implementation has failed to match the ambitions of rhetoric.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Addressing this Assembly in 1987 at the high- level debate on environment and development, the President of the Republic of Maldives, Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, said: “The profound dilemma of environmental transition is a global one, and its implications are worldwide and long-term.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Finally, I would like to commend the work of our domestic law enforcement and other agencies that have reacted to the incident with such speed and professionalism. The incident serves as a reminder that no State is immune from the scourge of terrorism. The Maldives utterly condemns all acts of terrorism, wherever they are perpetrated. The Maldives, as a low-lying small island State, is particularly vulnerable to the perils of global climate change, a point brought sharply into focus by the recent sea swells that submerged a large part of the country. For the past 20 years, the Maldives, along with its partners in the Alliance of Small Island States, has thus been at the forefront of efforts to bring the issue of climate change and its devastating impact on small island developing States to the world’s attention.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I would like to extend our sincere sympathies to those who were injured and to their families. The Maldives is a country renowned for its tranquillity and warm welcomes. Our people are united in shock and outrage that this happened on our soil. That shock is matched by a determination that such cowardly acts of aggression will not be allowed to undermine or jeopardize the maintenance of our peaceful and harmonious society. On behalf of the people of the Maldives, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our many friends in the international community for their expressions of support and solidarity. I would particularly like to thank those countries that have provided us with their expertise, technical advice and assistance in the ongoing investigations.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The Maldives pledges its full support for the Secretary-General’s untiring work in promoting the noble principles of this Organization. It is indeed a privilege for me to address the General Assembly on this historic day, when the United Nations is observing the International Day of Non-Violence. On this day, we pay special tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest men of all times. The Maldives has always been a country which has promoted peace, non-violence, tolerance and human rights. However, the spectre of terrorism visited the Maldives this past weekend. On Saturday afternoon, an improvised explosive device was detonated in the commercial area of our capital, Malé, injuring 12 innocent bystanders. That unprovoked attack was the first of its kind in our history.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Allow me at the outset to extend to Mr. Kerim my delegation’s warmest congratulations on his election to preside over the sixty-second session of the General Assembly. His election to that high office is a tribute to his wisdom and skill, as well as a true reflection of the important role played by his country in the international arena. I assure him of my delegation’s full cooperation in his work. At the same time, allow me to place on record my delegation’s profound gratitude and appreciation to his predecessor, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa, for the commendable manner in which she guided the work of the sixty-first session. Let me also take this opportunity to express my delegation’s deep appreciation to the Secretary- General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his dedication and leadership.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)