GENEVA – On 23 February 2026, at the opening of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, Her Excellency Dr. Hilda C. Heine delivered a national statement during the High-Level Segment. The Republic of the Marshall Islands currently serves as a member of the Council.
In her address, President Heine underscored the importance of constructive multilateral engagement, dialogue, and cooperation in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights. She reaffirmed the Marshall Islands’ commitment to working with partners across regions to strengthen practical cooperation and shared understanding.
Recalling the ongoing impacts of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands, President Heine expressed appreciation for the Council’s continued attention to the issue and noted that the RMI will seek the extension of the mandate for technical assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to support national efforts in addressing related human rights considerations. President Heine also highlighted the importance of collective action in responding to climate change, emphasizing the need for continued international collaboration to address its impacts, particularly for vulnerable nations.
In her concluding remarks, President Heine reaffirmed the Marshall Islands’ commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities as a member of the Human Rights Council and to working constructively with Member States and civil society to strengthen international human rights cooperation.
President Heine’s recorded video statement at the HRC61 Opening of the High-Level Segment (HLS) can be watched here: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1a/k1a34h982i .
