Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has expressed optimism the completion of Hope Island will reduce the number of children within the juvenile justice system. The remarks were made by the minister during the closing ceremony of the eighth Juvenile Justice Training Programme. The Hope Island being developed in Vaanee, Dhaalu Atoll, is a rehabilitation initiative aimed at children exposed to crime.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ihusaan acknowledged the current juvenile justice system has its flaws, which can be exploited by individuals, leading to diminished public confidence. The minister emphasised the importance of addressing these imperfections and taking significant measures to enhance and strengthen the system. He also recognised similar challenges exist in other laws and systems.
Noting the inadequate financial and human resources to fully implement the juvenile justice system, Minister Ihusaan revealed plans to facilitate the visioned Hope Island, with the necessary facilities required to provide all essential services. The minister stated that such facilities providing all services cannot be developed in all islands, adding that the primary objective of this initiative is to reduce the number of children under the juvenile justice system. He also said that the Hope Island aims to prevent punishing children by jailing them. The initiative seeks to offer education and rehabilitation programmes to reunite children with their families as quickly as possible.
Furthermore, Minister Ihusaan stated reduction in the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years, aims to provide children with the required assistance they need and to ensure they fulfil the programmes under the system. He expressed concern over the increase in the number of children between the ages of 12-15 being exposed to the criminal environment, stressing the significance of promptly addressing the issue.
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology initially announced plans to develop a rehabilitation facility for children on May 6.