Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has revealed plans to establish a long-term secure facility for juveniles who may not be able to reintegrate safely back into society. The announcement was made by Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Mohamed Fulhu, while speaking at the closing ceremony of the Juvenile Justice Training Programme conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with relevant authorities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed Fulhu stated the Juvenile Justice Act was brought into effect with the objective of providing special protection for juveniles exposed to crime. Noting the rehabilitation of juveniles cannot be conducted in the same way as that for adults, the commissioner said there are several challenges in reintegrating such juveniles back to society. He revealed MCS plans to establish a long-term secure facility to accommodate juveniles who cannot be safely reintegrated to the society.
The Juvenile Justice Training Programme was held for a duration of five days, starting from March 20. During this programme, participants were trained on multi-sectorial coordination and cooperation, key principles of the juvenile justice system, diversion and restorative justice.