Tuesday 31 Mar 2026
Permanent Representative of Maldives with the United Nations, Dr Salma Rasheed delivers a statement during the General Debate in Geneva, March 25, 2026.
In a significant diplomatic shift, the Maldives has formally condemned the aerial military strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls' School located in Minab, Iran, which resulted in the deaths of 168 children. Representing the nation at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Dr. Salma Rasheed expressed the Maldives' profound alarm regarding the escalating regional conflict. While the nation had previously criticized Iranian actions affecting Gulf states, this latest statement highlights a prioritization of humanitarian concerns and international law, specifically condemning the roles played by Israel and the United States in regional instability. The Maldives has urged the global community to end the culture of impunity and work collectively to ensure civilian protection.
The Maldives has strongly condemned the aerial attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, Iran, an assault that killed 168 children, calling it a grave violation of international humanitarian and human rights law.
Speaking during an urgent debate at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council on Friday, the Maldives’ Permanent Representative in Geneva, Dr. Salma Rasheed, said the Government was “alarmed” by the escalating conflict in the Middle East following military attacks initiated by Israel and the United States against Iran.
The Maldives said Israel, described as a serial violator of international law and a sponsor of state terrorism, remains at the centre of fuelling the conflict, contributing to instability across the GCC region, Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon.
The Government stressed the need to end the “longstanding culture of impunity” that has enabled repeated breaches of international humanitarian law, urging the international community to intensify efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and ensure accountability.
Friday’s debate was the second emergency discussion held at the Council this week. The first, on 25 March, focused on the 28 February military aggression against Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Jordan.
The Maldives delivered statements at both sessions, reiterating its commitment to the UN Charter and its obligations under international treaties.
This latest statement marks a shift in focus from the Maldives’ earlier position this month, when Dr. Salma condemned Iran’s missile attacks on the Maldives’ “brotherly nations” in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, following Tehran’s regional escalation. At the time, she called Iran’s actions “unacceptable” and urged restraint to prevent further destabilisation.
