The first Children’s Custodial Centre has been opened in Fuvahmulah City under the Child Rights Protection Act.
The centre was opened at a special ceremony by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Gender Jeehan Mahmood and the Mayor of Fuvahmulah City Ismail Rafeeq. Those in attendance included Deputy Commissioner of Police Abdul Mannaan Yoosuf, senior police officers, and members of the Fuvahmulah City Council.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannaan noted that authorities did not distinguish between adults and minors while making arrests 28 years ago and that many lessons have been learned since then. He also said that criminals were usually let off with a warning during that time and that their cases were sent to the prosecutor’s office for the third offence. He further said that the current juvenile justice system allows authorities to bring in minors for their second offence to advise them and provide information on future proceedings to their parents. He noted that the previous system did not have such policies and he expressed hope that police officers will work to give more opportunities for minors to become free from a life of crime.
The Children’s Custodial Centre in Fuvahmulah has indoor and outdoor sports facilities, as well as a library, classroom, and computer lab.