Geneva, Switzerland – The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) held a high-level meeting with H.E. Ambassador Adam Hamid, the Maldives' representative to the United Nations in Geneva, to strengthen international efforts in addressing the escalating crisis in Gaza. The discussions focused on mobilizing support within the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and broader UN mechanisms to confront severe human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories. 

Ambassador Hamid reiterated the Maldives’ steadfast commitment to defending the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining Item 7 on the UNHRC agenda. This agenda item, which addresses Israeli practices in the occupied territories, remains a vital platform for ensuring accountability and transparency. He called for the international community to recognize the situation in Gaza as genocide, stressing that accountability is an essential step toward achieving justice. 

The ambassador further noted that calls for a ceasefire, while necessary, are insufficient to address the scale of violations. He highlighted the need for more robust measures, including the imposition of sanctions on Israel, as a means of enforcing compliance with international law and holding perpetrators accountable for systematic human rights abuses. Ambassador Hamid criticized the selective application of international law, arguing that such inconsistencies undermine the credibility of global institutions. 

The PRC commended the Maldives for its principled stance and the steps it has taken domestically and internationally to support Gaza and the broader Palestinian cause. These efforts include advocating for greater pressure on Israel and calling for the prosecution of those responsible for crimes against the Palestinian people. PRC praised the Maldives’ leadership as a model of genuine solidarity, contributing to the Palestinian struggle for justice and dignity. 

The meeting underscored the shared commitment to ensuring that the Palestinian cause remains a focal point in international debates, decision-making processes, and the consistent application of international law. 

This engagement is part of the PRC’s strategy to build alliances with key international stakeholders who advocate for Palestinian rights. By strengthening relationships with countries such as the Maldives, the PRC continues its mission to amplify global support for justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights.